Insurer
Review of the Year 2024: Pen Underwriting’s Nick Wright
Nick Wright, chief development officer at Pen Underwriting, questions the market’s short memory with regards boom-and-bust; is interested in the future of PIB and pan-European consolidation; and offers a pitch to take part in Bear Grylls’s The Island.
Axa Commercial boss Walker targets turnaround time for brokers
Axa Commercial is two thirds of the way through a technology transformation programme, and Commercial CEO Jon Walker is looking to shorten turnaround times in terms of risk appetite.
Aviva promotes Mark Skillern to head of broker strategic accounts
Aviva has promoted Mark Skillern to head of broker strategic accounts, Insurance Age can reveal, with the provider labelling his promotion as “the final piece in the strategic accounts senior leadership team”, which is led by broker distribution director…
Review of the Year 2024: Allianz Commercial’s Nick Hobbs
Allianz Commercial chief distribution officer Nick Hobbs is intrigued by Aviva’s Probitas deal, bemoans the continued presence of underinsurance and hopes that the term ‘insurer service’ is consigned to the clickbait dustbin.
Coles leads MBO of Ardonagh retail MGA Uris Group
Uris Group, the Ardonagh-owned specialist personal lines MGA and services provider, has been sold to a new vehicle backed by its leader Derek Coles, Insurance Age can reveal.
Aviva has hit ‘strategic jackpot’ with £3.6bn DLG deal agreement, claims analyst
An analyst at investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown has described Aviva’s £3.6bn bid as a “golden ticket” for Direct Line Group shareholders.
Review of the Year 2024: Collegiate’s Richard Turnbull
Collegiate managing director Richard Turnbull expresses disappointment with the return of the ‘pay-to-play’ model in broking, surprise at Aon’s acquisition of Griffith & Armour and considers whether 2024 was the ‘era of repeating past mistakes’.
US insurance group looks to sign up MGA partners after UK arm gets PRA nod
US specialty insurer Fortega has received approval to establish Fortegra Insurance Company UK.
Sabre to launch new online direct brand in Q1 2025
Sabre has revealed plans to enter the direct motorcycle market with an online brand in Q1 2025.
Aviva has Xmas deadline for DLG offer after both agree prospective £3.6bn deal
Aviva and Direct Line Group have jointly announced that they have reached preliminary agreement on the financial terms of a potential acquisition of the latter by the former.
Aviva launches programme for rising stars of the broking world
Aviva has launched a programme targeting “rising stars” in insurance broking, to help brokers develop and retain young talent, Insurance Age can reveal.
Interview: Nikki Lidster, Zurich
Nikki Lidster sets out her promises to brokers having taken up the post of head of SME and trading at Zurich earlier this year.
Alps moves another book to AmTrust
Alps, a provider of insurance add-on policies, has moved its landlord legal expense book to AmTrust International.
RSA targets writing to brokers in January on commission as NIG integration progresses
RSA will have harmonised its baseline commission tables by the end of this year, according to Laura Fox, distribution development director, in the latest integration webinar after the deal for NIG.
Zurich’s Nikki Lidster on SME growth, mid-market blending and technology tie-ups
Zurich has achieved 30% SME growth in new business this year, with similar targets for 2025, UK head of SME and trading Nikki Lidster has revealed.
Analysis: Aviva’s bid for DLG – what are the pros and cons for UK insurance brokers
The industry was abuzz last week with the ramifications of Aviva’s £3.3bn bid for Direct Line Group. Jonathan Swift reflects on the weekend’s developments, and what the deal might mean for UK brokers should the possibility of a green light gain momentum…
Allianz Commercial appoints regional head of multinational as Hegel promoted
Allie Chadwick has been named regional head of multinational in the UK at Allianz Commercial, effective immediately.
Sompo priortising regional hires and MGAs over expanding broker panel
Sompo remains “open minded” to further UK regional expansion, but is happy to build on its existing locations in Birmingham and Manchester for now.
Ageas promotes Beckett to MD of broker and partnerships
Ageas UK has appointed chief distribution officer Adam Beckett to the newly created role of managing director of broker and partnerships.
Ecclesiastical partners with Clear on local councils scheme
Ecclesiastical has teamed up with Clear Councils, part of Clear Group, adding the broker’s local councils insurance to its schemes book in an arrangement that will come in to force at the start of 2025.
Industry reacts to discount rate change
Insurance industry specialists have welcomed the government moving the personal injury discount rate to 0.5% with PwC calculating it will lower motor premiums by £50 on average.
Personal injury discount rate shift will cut motor premiums, says PWC
The government will move the discount rate applicable to personal injury lump sum compensation payments to 0.5% as of 11 January 2025.
Rokstone launches disgrace cover
Managing general agent Rokstone has added to its contingency product suite with the launch of disgrace cover.
People Moves: 25 – 29 November 2024
Keep up to date with the latest insurance industry personnel moves.