Ageas adds Neil Mercier as head of standard motor

The insurer detailed that Mercier will be responsible for managing and developing its underwriting strategy for the standard motor portfolio, which sits at the heart of the company’s ambition to become a focused leader in personal lines insurance traded through intermediaries.

The personal lines push follows the provider’s sale of its renewal rights for its commercial lines business to Axa for £47.5m.

Reporting to Glyn Hughes, director of personal lines underwriting & pricing, Mercier has previously worked at Axa, Direct Line Group and most recently Aviva.

Insight

Hughes said: “Neil’s wealth of insight into personal lines makes him the perfect fit as we to focus with laser-like precision on what we do best. That’s personal lines insurance, digitally traded through intermediated channels.

“Our most recent broker feedback shows underwriting expertise is one of the biggest areas in which we satisfy our brokers and I’m pleased we’re adding to that expertise even further with Neil’s addition to the team.”

Mercier added: “Ageas has a well-earned reputation as a great insurer to work for and I’m excited to be a part of the team. Working for a business that has a clear direction is always a recipe for success and it’s something that Ageas has in spades with its latest strategy, combined with its strong heritage as a motor insurer.”

Mercier takes the reins from Rob Clark, who leaves to take on a new challenge after being with Ageas for seven years.

Hughes continued: “I’d like to thank Rob for all his achievements and dedication over the years, not least his contribution to the recent delivery of our new simplified motor product for brokers.”

For all the latest industry news direct to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.