Meet the MGA: Arkel
Chief underwriting officer Kris Lee outlines why data and people are key to Arkel’s success, none more than recent recruits Matthew Donaldson and Steve Lewis, and how its ‘dream team’ will take it to new heights in a ‘pivotal’ 2025 as it aims to become a multi-line, digitally led £100m MGA.
When did Arkel start trading and what is the background story behind the name?We launched in 2019. In true insurance style the inspiration for the name came from a brewery pub sign, unquestionably the best place for any brainstorm.
You have experience with MGAs such as Towergate, Pen and Plum Underwriting. What attracted you to Arkel?Yes, I’ve been fortunate to spend my 25 year long underwriting career amongst some great insurers and MGAs. I joined Arkel six years ago because I could see it was
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.insuranceage.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
More on People
Covéa promotes Long to COO
Covéa Insurance has promoted Stephen Long to chief operating officer in the latest of a series of personnel changes at the insurer.
Biba recruits ‘great match’ Maxwell as Northern regional manager
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has appointed Lesley Maxwell as regional manager for the North.
Biba 2026 Countdown: Aviva’s Michael Yabantu
Michael Yabantu, managing director of mid-market at Aviva, is keen to talk to brokers to work together to address the protection gap for customers and hints that the insurer’s Wednesday night event might have an element of Madness to it.
Biba 2026 Countdown: Axa’s Matt Field
Matt Field, partnerships director at Axa Insurance UK – retail, invites people to visit its van on the cobbled area next to the conference centre and warns against burn out by over-filling your diary with appointments.
CII adds two executive directors to leadership team
The Chartered Insurance Institute Group has appointed Ben Turner as executive director of member engagement and Will Holt as executive director of learning.
People Moves: 27 April – 1 May 2026
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
Biba 2026 Countdown: QuestGates’ Dave Clare
Dave Clare, operations director - building consultancy division of QuestGates, highlights the importance of getting the fundamentals right and raises the possibility of doing a turn singing My Way dressed as a calculator.
Open GI looks to Barnard from Aviva to succeed Badley as CEO
Open GI has appointed James Barnard from Aviva to succeed Simon Badley as group CEO, with the change scheduled “over the course” of the second half of the year.