MGAA Appoints New Chairman

The latest update from the MGAA;

The Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA), the representative body for Managing General Agents in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, has announced the appointment of Tim Smyth, Chair at Bspoke Group, as its new Chairman.

Tim succeeds Charles Manchester, who steps down following ten years as Chairman of the MGAA. The appointment was formally approved by the MGAA Board and takes effect following the MGAA Annual Conference.

Tim brings more than 40 years of insurance industry experience to the role, having held numerous CEO and Chair positions across the UK insurance market. Over the past 15 years, he has focused on building, scaling and leading successful MGA businesses across both commercial and personal lines, with a strong emphasis on disciplined underwriting, sustainable growth and long-term capacity partnerships.

His experience spans product development, underwriting, pricing, distribution, affinity partnerships and regulatory strategy. Throughout his career, he has successfully led acquisitions, business integrations and management buyouts, most recently overseeing the sale of Bspoke Group to NFP, an Aon company, in one of the most significant MGA transactions of 2025.

A longstanding supporter of the MGAA, Tim is passionate about developing future industry leaders, championing inclusive leadership and supporting the continued growth and professionalism of the MGA sector.

Mike Keating, Chief Executive Officer of the MGAA, said: “Today marks an important milestone for the MGAA as we welcome Tim Smyth as our new Chairman.

“Tim’s extensive experience, deep understanding of the MGA market and longstanding commitment to the sector make him ideally placed to lead the Association through its next chapter.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Charles Manchester, who steps down after ten years as Chairman. Charles has played a pivotal role in shaping both the MGAA and the wider MGA sector, and we are immensely grateful for his leadership, dedication and contribution over the past decade. On behalf of the Board, our members and the wider market, I would like to thank Charles for his outstanding service and wish him every success for the future.”

Outgoing Chairman, Charles Manchester said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of the MGAA over the past ten years and to witness the remarkable growth and evolution of the MGA sector.

“During that time, the Association has become an increasingly influential voice for MGAs, supporting members through a period of significant change while championing the value and innovation that our sector brings to the wider insurance market.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and grateful to the Board, our members and the MGAA executive team for their support. The Association is in a strong position, and I leave confident that it will continue to thrive under Tim’s leadership.”

Incoming Chairman, Tim Smyth added: “I am honoured to have been appointed Chairman of the MGAA and to succeed Charles Manchester, whose leadership and dedication over the past decade have helped establish the Association as the leading voice of the MGA sector.

“MGAs continue to play an increasingly important role within the insurance market, delivering specialist expertise, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking that benefits customers, capacity providers and distribution partners alike.

“My focus will be on building on the strong foundations already in place, supporting our members as they navigate an evolving market, championing the development of future industry leaders and ensuring the MGAA remains at the forefront of promoting professionalism, collaboration and sustainable growth across the sector.”