The general insurance intermediary and managing general agent, Avid Insurance Services Ltd (Avid) has today announced the appointment of Mark Cliff (pictured) as its chairman. This appointment is taking immediate effect, having been approved by the FCA.
Cliff who has a broad portfolio of NEDs, including Be Wiser and Evolution Claims Management, was previously executive chairman and CEO of Brightside Group, which he joined in 2015. Prior to Brightside, he was chief executive of retail and distribution at Ageas Insurance, and has also held positions at AXA Insurance, and RSA. Cliff is deputy chairman of BIBA’s ‘Large Broker Advisory Board’ and was formerly vice president of the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Stephen Gibson, founder and MD of Avid, said he is delighted to welcome Cliff as chairman, and that he believes Cliff’s extensive experience will prove an invaluable asset to Avid as it moves forward with its plans for growth in both its existing markets and in new sectors and products.
He said: “Mark will help steer our strategy and assist our business development, including inorganic growth, where we have made no secret of our desire to acquire businesses and specialist underwriting teams, where they make strategic sense.”
Gibson said noted that, despite challenging market conditions, Avid has been resilient through the COVID-19 crisis, and is well placed to pick up growth again as the UK economy recovers. Avid will continue to enjoy strong backing from insurer partners, he said, as well as a solid technology platform and a clear view of the growth opportunities which arise as the market reacts to the pandemic.
Meanwhile, commenting on this news, Cliff said: “Avid is one of the most exciting prospects in the MGA sector. Steve and John (Inwood, commercial director), are highly regarded, experienced operators. They have built a genuine thoroughbred and I am confident it will deliver success for its clients, insurer partners and investors.”
