Atec Group has appointed Max Bullen-Smith (pictured) as its new head of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as part of its strategy to drive growth through acquisitions. Bullen-Smith joins from Ardonagh Specialty, where he held the same role, and will assume his new position after completing his notice period.
The move comes after a significant investment by private equity firm Perwyn earlier this year, underlining Atec’s ongoing expansion plans. Bullen-Smith will focus on identifying acquisition targets, overseeing due diligence processes, and managing the integration of new businesses.
Bullen-Smith has extensive experience in the insurance sector, having spent six years at Ardonagh in various senior roles, including investment director and head of special projects. He also previously worked at Cavendish and started his career as an investment analyst.
Atec Group CEO Brendan Devine stated that Bullen-Smith’s track record in successful M&A integrations would be crucial as the company looks to grow through a combination of acquisitions and organic expansion. Atec aims to triple in size over the next five years and become one of the top 10 insurance brokers in the UK.
In December last year, Atec Group also appointed Steve Woodford as chief technology officer, a position he takes over from Andy Brown, who is retiring. Woodford have over 30 years of experience in technology leadership, previously serving as CIO of BGL Group and CompareTheMarket.com. He is also a non-executive director at NHS England, advising on technology and cybersecurity matters.
Woodford’s appointment further supports Atec’s plans for growth, combining organic expansion with strategic acquisitions. The company said his experience in leading tech-driven businesses in regulated sectors would be key to its goal of enhancing its technology and digital capabilities.
Atec Group, which includes digital personal lines broker Ceta and the managing general agent Arkel, provides a range of specialist home and leisure insurance products across the UK wholesale and retail markets. The business serves over 360,000 policyholders.
