Latest appointments news for you from across the insurance sector;
AVID INSURANCE
Avid Insurance Services Ltd (Avid) has announced a number of internal promotions in its underwriting team as it continues to build its underwriting and technical expertise. John Inwood is to become underwriting director (previously commercial development director), while recent appointment Mike Patchett will be head of specialty, reporting into John.
Meanwhile, Dan Baldwin is promoted to head of travel and Lee Longley head of commercial.
Both will also report into John Inwood, who said: “We want Avid to be synonymous for its technical performance and underwriting excellence; this is the heart of our MGA offering and we intend to continue to build out this core strength.”
He added: “Dan and Lee are highly data-driven underwriters and experts in their sectors. Their promotion, sitting alongside to Mike (Patchett) heading up our specialty practice, further strengthens our ability to provide innovative solutions for our brokers and underwriting profit for our Insurer partners.”
Avid, an MGA which is majority owned by Beech Tree Private Equity, specialises in social housing, council leasehold markets and travel.
John Inwood said: “We are keen to talk to other underwriters in order to add niche specialisms to the Avid portfolio and who want to be part of an MGA that is intent on growth and champions great underwriting as a means of delivering that growth.”
MACTAVISH
Mactavish, the specialist outsourced insurance buyer and claims resolution expert, has announced the appointment of Heidi Carslaw as the company’s Managing Director.
Carslaw is joining Mactavish after spending 25 years with Aston Lark Group where she was Executive Director following her role as Chief Executive of predecessor firm, Aston Scott. She brings over 30 years of experience working with corporate clients on a broad range of complex risks. During her time with Aston Scott she was instrumental in making the firm one of the UK’s largest independent brokers.
Commenting on her appointment, Carslaw said: “I’m very excited to be joining Mactavish. The firm has a clear mission to create a fairer and more transparent market for policyholders – something I have pursued throughout my career. I firmly believe that clients benefit when they have good relationships with their brokers and insurers as well as access to best in class independent technical advice.
Carslaw has already begun working with the team at Mactavish and said that she is “looking forward to hitting the ground running as we navigate the most challenging insurance market in decades.”
NFU Mutual
Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual has appointed Alan Fairhead to its Board as a Non-Executive Director from November.
A senior figure in the insurance industry, Alan began his career at Guardian Royal Exchange where he held various insurance roles over 21 years. In 1999 he joined Zurich Insurance Group where he moved through various General Insurance roles before becoming Global Chief Underwriting Officer. Alan is a Chartered Insurer and Fellow of the CII, and since March 2020 he has been a Non-Executive Director of Everest Insurance (Ireland) DAC where he is now also Chair of the Risk Committee.
Commenting on the appointment, NFU Mutual Chairman Jim McLaren said: “Alan is a well respected figure in the insurance industry and brings a wealth of experience to NFU Mutual’s Board. We are pleased to welcome Alan as we continue the company’s strategy to provide an outstanding service and consistent support for our customers.”
Alan Fairhead added: “NFU Mutual has an enviable reputation as a great company to do business with and has continued to perform exceptionally well through challenging times. I look forward to working with the Board to deliver the company’s strategy.”
AFL INSURANCE
Independent Lloyd’s broker AFL Insurance Brokers Ltd (AFL) is delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart Edwards as Senior Casualty Broker.
A rising star in our sector, Stuart started his career at Willis Towers Watson in 2014 after successfully completing a two-year Graduate Scheme with Willis GB Retail.
Having completed an impressive list of placements and internships over the past decade, including six years focusing on UK Retail Liability broking, Stuart brings both enthusiasm and experience to his new role.
POWERBAND SOLUTIONS
PowerBand Solutions Inc. is pleased to announce that Kevin Wilks, an experienced and proven senior leader in the automotive captive finance industry, has been appointed National Sales Manager for DRIVRZ US, LLC (“DRIVRZ”).
In his role as National Sales Manager and advisor, Kevin will oversee sales and business development for both PowerBand’s virtual transaction platform, DRIVRZ, as well as D&P Holdings, Inc., a strategic investor in PowerBand that is a national insurance administrator offering a wide variety of vehicle finance and insurance products.
“PowerBand’s virtual transaction platform – DRIVRZ – is a game-changer for automotive dealers, both for drivers and automotive dealers,” said Wilks. “I look forward to bringing this innovation to consumers across the U.S.”
AON
AON a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions, today announced that Byron Spruell, President, League Operations at the National Basketball Association (NBA), has been appointed to its Board of Directors.
“We are pleased to welcome Byron Spruell to the Aon Board of Directors,” said Lester B. Knight, Chair of Aon’s board. “With his dynamic leadership skills, unwavering integrity and keen strategic insight, Byron will provide valuable perspective on how the firm continues to evolve to better serve clients during this era of unprecedented volatility.”
In his role with the NBA, Spruell helps shape the future of the league, overseeing critical league operations, introducing innovations through strategy and analytics, and promoting the global growth and evolution of the game in coordination with League stakeholders, USA Basketball and the International Basketball Federation.
“Aon has been a leader in serving clients around the world for many years, and I consider it a privilege to join the team helping to chart its future,” Spruell said. “The most successful organizations build on their strengths, and it’s clear to me that Aon is committed to innovation and developing new answers to today’s most pressing challenges.”
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