Atec Group has appointed Steve Woodford (pictured) as chief technology officer as the company aims to become one of the top 10 insurance brokers in the UK.
Woodford will succeed Andy Brown, who is retiring. He was CIO of BGL Group and CompareTheMarket.com and has a strong track record of leading tech-enabled businesses in highly regulated sectors. He also has more than 30 years of experience in various roles in BGL Group, NHS England, PwC and other tech startups.
Woodford is also currently an NED for NHS England, responsible as an expert advisor to the board on the effective use of technology to transform the NHS. The role also includes active membership to the Digital and Data Advisory Committee and the Cyber Security and Risk Committee, the company said.
The appointment also signifies the company’s goal to grow both organically and through M&A, it said.
“Following our recent acquisition by Perwyn, we are now embarking on the next stage in our growth plan that will see us triple in the next 5 years to become a top 10 insurance broker,” Atec Group chief executive Brendan Devine said.
Atec Group’s acquisition by Perwyn took place earlier in June, through an off-market transaction from Kester Capital. Former BGL CEO and founder of CompareTheMarket Matthew Donaldson joined Atec as chairman.
Devine said that Woodford’s appointment will help ensure that the company’s technology and skills remain up to date and in line with its organic and M&A growth goals.
“We’re delighted to welcome Steve to the fold,” he said. “Together with the rest of the management team we are amassing quite the dream team.” Last year, the company also hired Stewart Barnett as head of marketing.
Devine also thanked Andy Brown, who served as the company’s head of technology.
