People
Former broking CEO Fairchild takes new M&A role
Former Broker Network and Applied Systems Europe CEO Andy Fairchild has joined IDEX Consulting to lead the business’ M&A division.
People Moves: 31 March – 4 April 2025
Follow the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Ex-Hiscox HNW boss Holmes’ new broker employer revealed
Specialist Risk Group has recruited Hiscox’s former high net worth broker boss Nicola Holmes.
MGA appoints Stuart Reid as chair
Specialist business health insurance MGA Equipsme has appointed Stuart Reid as chair of its board.
Meet the MGA: MX Underwriting
Ian Cook, managing director at MX Underwriting, explains why he believes MGAs are not suffering a capacity crunch, and outlines plans to write in excess of £200m GWP in 2025 and add to MX’s product range and capability.
Matt Williams named UK and Ireland CEO at Allianz Trade
Matt Williams, currently regional credit director for Allianz Trade in Northern Europe, is moving to be CEO in the UK and Ireland succeeding Sarah Murrow.
HDI takes Breese from Arch as cyber leader
HDI Global UK and Ireland has recruited Marcus Breese as head of cyber underwriting, joining from Arch Insurance International.
Arron Banks slams Green ‘wokery’ and ‘finished’ Tories as he announces mayoral tilt
Somerset Bridge and Brightside founder Arron Banks has been confirmed as the Reform UK party mayoral candidate for the West of England.
Meet the MGA: Optio Underwriting
With an aim to be the most admired global specialty MGA, Optio Underwriting group CEO Deepak Soni outlines how it attracts top talent, plans to mix organic growth with M&A and discusses the importance of having a PE backer that understands the subtle…
RSA cutting up to 250 jobs in Peterborough following personal lines exit
RSA has put 250 jobs at risk in its Peterborough office over the next two years, following the insurer’s decision to exit the personal insurance market first announced in December 2023.
People Moves: 24 – 28 March 2025
Keep up to date with the latest insurance industry personnel moves.
Allianz Commercial appoints CUO and CTO
Allianz UK has appointed Adam Lloyd from Allianz Australia as chief underwriting officer in Allianz Commercial and promoted Claire Buck to the newly created role of chief technical officer for the division.
Aviva to open regional underwriting branch in Cardiff
Aviva is opening a new regional underwriting branch in Cardiff to service brokers and clients in South Wales, Insurance Age can reveal.
Bayles to lead Bravo Networks as MD Bennett moves to Towergate role
Bravo Networks managing director Scott Bennett has moved to be branch director for Towergate in Manchester with Phil Bayles covering at the network on an interim basis.
Access Insurance seals first acquisition since Benefact Group investment
Benefact Group-owned charity specialist Access Insurance has sealed its fourth acquisition with a swoop for Chesterfield-based broker Ladbrook Insurance.
Patston named Touchstone MD as Roe retires
Mike Patston has been promoted to managing director of Touchstone Underwriting following the retirement of Alan Roe.
People Moves: 17 – 21 March 2025
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
Holt to succeed Haynes as director of underwriting at Arag
Nathan Holt will take over as director of underwriting at legal expenses insurer Arag when David Haynes becomes CEO at the start of April.
Gallagher promotes Smith to broking and placement MD
Gallagher has promoted Stephen Smith to managing director of broking and placement for its UK & Ireland retail division.
Matcham retires as IUA CEO after 20 years with Jones stepping up
Chris Jones has been appointed as International Underwriting Association CEO succeeding Dave Matcham, who is retiring after 20 years in the role.
Meet the MGA: Aspect
Following its recent brand refresh Oli Williamson, co-founder and chief underwriter, explains how Aspect is seeking to expand its core mid-corporate market offering into new areas such as terrorism and cyber – with an eye very much on how it can leverage…
Clear recruits ex-Willis international CEO as COO
The Clear Group has appointed Simon Smith as group chief operating officer.
Meet the MGA: Elmlake Underwriting
A seasoned professional indemnity underwriter, Darren Galloway, managing director of new MGA Elmlake Underwriting, explains how it plans to fuse both traditional and modern approaches to offer a one-stop shop for brokers and their clients.
Q&A: Christy Chisholm, group sales and marketing director at Clear Group
With 100 days in the role after joining Clear Group from Premium Credit, group sales and marketing director Christy Chisholm reflects on the initial challenges, successes and her work with the British Insurance Brokers’ Association promoting insurance as…