Activate Group taps leader for insurance division

Accident management solutions provider Activate Group has appointed Adrian Furness (pictured) as managing director of its motor repair network business.

In this role, Furness will be responsible for expanding the capabilities of the motor repair network business by creating a market-leading proposition that combines technology and service excellence to deliver greater value to the insurance industry.

Furness brings extensive insurance leadership experience to his new role. Before joining Activate Group, he served as the CEO of Covea UK. He also held key positions such as chief operating officer and claims director at Covea and its predecessor, Provident Insurance.

“I’m stepping into the role of managing director for the motor repair network at a very exciting time,” said Furness, who assumes his new position on October 2. “The more I get to know the business, the more impressed I am with the range and quality of its services and the capability of the team.”

News of Furness’ appointment coincides with a period of significant growth at Activate Group, having invested in its own body shop division in 2019. Activate Accident Repair has since established nine state-of-the-art repair centres across the UK, working with an approved repair network to provide dedicated capacity to fleet and insurance partners.

Additionally, Activate Group has made strides in enhancing its digital claims offering by developing intelligent ENOL and damage assessment apps to streamline the claims process.

CEO Hannah Wilcox welcomed Furness to Activate Group, complimenting him for his “expertise and strategic focus.”

“Having led Covea’s UK business, Adrian has a deep understanding of the claims industry and the current trends and challenges faced by insurers and brokers,” said Wilcox. “He’ll be instrumental as we work towards our vision to be the transformational leader in accident management, offering data-driven, technology-led solutions delivered by some of the most experienced and passionate people in the industry.”

Danielle Chruszcz, people director at Activate Group, said Furness's leadership experience will help the business continue to “build on the culture of innovation and teamwork that has driven our success so far.”

“Adrian has a proven track record in creating high-performing teams and a passion for developing talent within the organisation,” said Chruszcz. “We’re lucky to have a highly knowledgeable and dedicated team within Motor Repair Network, and I know that Adrian’s leadership will take them from strength to strength.”

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