Global brokerage and service provider Ardonagh Group has appointed Andy Higginson as chairman of Ardonagh Retail, its online consumer business in the UK and Ireland, subject to regulatory approval.
In his new role, Higginson will work with Ardonagh Retail chief executive officer Ian Donaldson, as well as Emma Rawlinson, CEO of Ardonagh-owned personal lines broker Atlanta, and Craig Ball, chief commercial officer at Ardonagh, to support the growth of the business and other strategic opportunities.
Ardonagh Retail, which recently overhauled its executive team, trades under several brands – including Swinton, Carole Nash and Autonet – and employs 2,400 workers across 11 sites.
“There are few individuals with such deep experience in growing customer-centric, high volume, and high-profile businesses as Andy,” said Donaldson. “I have long-admired the ability of retailers to adapt, move fast, and serve their customers in the way they want to be served and I’m personally thrilled to welcome Andy’s valuable perspective, guidance, and challenge to the table.”
Higginson’s retail career includes 15 years as an executive director of Tesco, with four as CEO of its retail services division, which includes Tesco.com, Tesco Bank and customer data science division Dunnhumby.
“The Ardonagh Group has successfully developed a number of complementary but independent divisions, and I am particularly excited by the opportunities presented by Ardonagh Retail,” said Higginson. “Getting to know Ian and the team I have been impressed by the businesses’ development from product specialisms and distribution nous to the successful turnaround of Swinton from declining high street sales to digital growth.”
