It was only last week when Brightside Group announced executive chairman and CEO Mark Cliff’s ‘stepping back’… now we know who’s taking over the reins at the Bristol-based broker, and it’s a familiar name.
Appointed chief executive effective August 06 is Insurance Business column writer Brendan McCafferty (pictured), who most recently served as CEO of intermediated and direct at AXA’s UK insurance business. The former Willis UK president will be at the helm of Brightside Group as Cliff assumes the role of non-executive chair.
“I am absolutely delighted to be the new Brightside CEO,” commented McCafferty, who was also Flood Re’s founding chief executive. “It is an exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to leading the business through the next stage of its journey.
“While the market is challenging in personal lines broking, Brightside’s commitment to digital insurance is key to becoming a leading market player in the future, and I believe we have a very strong platform to deliver further growth.”
Commenting on the appointment, Anacap Financial Partners private equity head Peter Cartwright described the incoming CEO as “a proven executive within the industry” who brings the experience and track record to build upon Brightside Group’s continued growth. “He shares our vision for the ongoing digital development of the business, and I’m confident he will bring a new dynamism to the team,” said Cartwright.
Anacap Financial Partners is the adviser to funds that own the UK insurance broker.
“We have a dedicated, professional, and hardworking team in Bristol, Chandler’s Ford, and Torquay, and I am confident that together we can build on the achievements to date and accelerate our strategy, where we have some exciting opportunities lined up, including the launch of our MGA Kitsune later this year,” added McCafferty, whose more than two decades of experience includes time spent at PwC and RSA.
