The UK and European insurance markets have witnessed a series of notable appointments as companies look to strengthen their teams and expand their market presence.
Simply Business, a digital broker for small businesses and landlords, has appointed Jodi Cartwright (pictured) as UK chief commercial officer. Cartwright, with over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, will lead the company’s commercial function and focus on building partnerships, products, and propositions to drive growth.
Julie Fisher, UK CEO of Simply Business, said: “Jodi’s extensive industry knowledge, leadership abilities, and commitment to enhancing the customer experience make her a valuable addition to our team. Her data-driven approach will support our expansion into new markets.”
Brace UK & Europe, a multi-line and alternative risk specialist underwriter backed by Beat Capital Partners, has appointed Amie Townsend as senior underwriter. Townsend, based in London, will report to Martin McBrearty, head of Brace UK & Europe.
In her new role, Townsend will be responsible for expanding Brace’s MGA relationships across the UK and Europe, managing existing client accounts and overseeing underwriting decisions within the company’s alternative risk portfolio.
“Brace believes in building a team with high-quality underwriting talent, and the addition of Amie is emblematic of that belief,” said McBrearty. “Amie’s broad understanding of the market and wealth of experience will provide our UK and Europe team’s capabilities with a fresh perspective. I look forward to welcoming her to the team.”
Specialist Risk Group (SRG), a global insurance intermediary, has announced the recruitment of two senior hires, Ed Nicholson and Matt Solley, to bolster its entry into the Structured Credit & Political Risk market.
This move follows SRG’s acquisition of Tysers’ structured credit & political risk re/insurance business, led by John Lentaigne.
Nicholson joins SRG with extensive experience advising banks, funds and corporates on structured and trade finance transactions, while Solley brings over two decades of expertise in political risk and structured credit, previously leading Gallagher’s team in this sector.
“Entering the structured credit & political risk market is a natural extension of our strategy,” said group CEO Warren Downey. “The combination of John’s leadership and the arrival of Ed and Matt positions us at the forefront of this specialist market.”
Close Brothers Premium Finance (CBPF) has announced two key appointments within its commercial division as part of its growth strategy.
Mark Farrant has been appointed head of sales operations, while Cris Jackson takes up the newly created role of growth director.
Farrant, with over a decade of experience at CBPF, will oversee broker management, sales support, broker training and sales optimisation. Meanwhile, Jackson, transitioning from a consultancy role at CBPF, will focus on driving growth through new market exploration and strengthening relationships.
“Both these appointments bring expertise that will strengthen our ability to grow and sustain our business,” said Colin Wallace, commercial director at CBPF. “With our commercial structure in place, we can now move forward with confidence.”
