Alan Goddard (pictured, right), who came onboard rural insurer Cornish Mutual in 2001 and became managing director in 2004, is retiring in December 2019. Succeeding him as MD, subject to regulatory approval, is finance and operations director Peter Beaumont (pictured, left).
According to the South West firm – which insures farms and rural businesses across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and Dorset – the leadership handover is underway.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as managing director of Cornish Mutual,” shared Goddard, who has seen members’ funds grow from £8 million to more than £21 million.
“We have embraced new technologies and adapted to regulatory changes and new opportunities. Crucially, we have broadened our offer to meet the needs of our changing membership base, which now includes many exciting rural businesses alongside more traditional farms.”
Beaumont, who has worked closely with his predecessor and the senior management team in developing the members-owned company, brings a wealth of IT and financial services sectors experience to the role. He has been with Cornish Mutual since 2009.
“Over the last 10 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Alan and the whole Cornish Mutual team to make the company what it is today,” said Beaumont. “As managing director, I am delighted to now have the opportunity to build on our strengths and ensure we continue to evolve and adapt, including through the use of new technology, to meet the changing needs and expectations of our members.
“There are challenges ahead for the insurance industry and for our members in the agricultural sector. The strength and commitment of our fantastic people here at Cornish Mutual gives me every confidence that we are extremely well placed to meet these challenges and ensure we continue to offer a distinctive and high-quality service to all our members across the South West.”
In 2012, Cornish Mutual became the first mutual insurance company in the UK and the first insurer in the South West to achieve Chartered status. Now, after enjoying the accolade for seven consecutive years, it is still the only mutual insurance company in Britain to hold the distinction.
“Reflecting on 15 years at the helm, I’m proud of our achievements and pleased to be passing the reins on to Peter, whose experience with Cornish Mutual makes him ideally placed to drive the company forward while retaining its unique values and approach,” added the departing boss.
Commenting on the development, Cornish Mutual chair Ian Pawley congratulated Beaumont and expressed gratitude for Goddard’s service and commitment to the firm.
