Market moves: Advantage insurers

If Market moves were a tennis match, then May’s edition definitely went to brokers but the insurers have bounced back to claim this month’s set. As the market focus box below makes clear, RSA has been notably busy but many providers have got in on the act too. In particular the ‘A’s have had a frantic time of it with Ageas, Axa and AIG to the fore. Liberty too. Managing general agents and underwriting agencies have also been serving up a slew of news with IIG and Bluefin making notable hires. For their part brokers have been rather quiet, perhaps saving all their energy for the working, networking and festivities of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association’s conference in Manchester. However, fresh from its recent takeover, Towergate led the way with a high-profile appointment of a non-executive chairman. Thus, with the match keenly poised at one set all, here’s to wondering who will win the next edition’s encounter.

Insurers and MGAs

RSA was undoubtedly the busiest insurer in the market recently when it came to new comings and goings. In addition to the appointments of Owen Thomas and Darren McKenzie (see box below) the provider boosted its personal lines team and strengthened its commercial regional sales force. Tim Brangwyn was appointed sales director, south regions and Laura Fox-McMenamim took on the role of sales leader for Scotland. Meanwhile, Samantha Grist joined the personal lines affinity team as