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Zurich regional head Matthew Hartigan is making the switch to Higos as the new managing director of the South West-based broker.
That means Neil Thornton, managing director of retail broking at Higos owner Global Risk Partners (GRP), will no longer serve as Higos interim MD when Hartigan assumes his new role before the end of June. The latter will be reporting to Thornton.
Hartigan, who started his career as an underwriter at Royal and Sun Alliance in 1992, joined Zurich in 2005. He also worked for the likes of insurance broker Smart & Cook.
“Higos is the jewel in the crown for insurance broking in the South West, and I am proud and excited by the opportunity to build on the recent progress made by Neil and the management team in order to cement its position as the dominant player in this part of the world,” commented Hartigan, who was headhunted for the role.
He called Higos – acquired by GRP in February 2017 – “a prime example” of how brokers can thrive and prosper as part of a bigger group while retaining their independent identity.
“My mandate is to grow Higos by building a strategic partnership with our insurers that delivers value for our insurer partners, our clients, and our parent company,” said Hartigan. “My experience from working for both insurers and brokers, has taught me that the best possible outcome for clients is through all stakeholders working together, and I plan to bring that operating ethos to Higos.”
For Mike Bruce, GRP’s chief executive of broking, Hartigan’s thorough understanding of the UK insurance market makes him the right choice for the post. Bruce also cited the new MD’s 26 years in underwriting, broking, sales, and branch leadership.
“I am delighted Matthew has chosen to join us from Zurich, where he has been head of regional market for the South West, Midlands, and Wales,” said Bruce. “As a result, he has deep knowledge and experience of Higos’ local market and is a high quality signing for us.”
