Articles by Callum Brodie
IWDC14: Mapfre direct business 'on the right path' following DLG deal
Mapfre global direct insurance managing director Jose Luis Bernal has credited the acquisition of Direct Line Group’s German and Italian businesses with helping put his firm’s direct proposition “on the right path”.
IWDC14: Commissions and Solvency II on Spanish regulator's agenda
Fees and commissions feature prominently on the Spanish insurance and pensions regulator’s agenda, despite a significant focus being placed on the transposition of Solvency II.
IWDC14: Acquisition boom predicted as insurers look to bolster digital strategies
Digital start-up companies, telematics providers and aggregators are being increasingly targeted for acquisition by insurers that are planning to establish a stronger foothold within the evolving digital environment.
Government's Pool Re levy increase leaves insurers little room to manoeuvre
The timing of the government's proposed increase to its Pool Re fee has left insurers with few options, according to market commentators, as time to negotiate alternative reinsurance arrangements is limited.
Seven insurers appointed to Towergate SME panel
Towergate has reached agreements with seven insurers to form a commercial panel for sub £5000 premium standard SME business.
PFK Littlejohn hires Gee to head up counter fraud team
Accountancy firm PFK Littlejohn has appointed a forensic fraud team headed up by former director of counter fraud services at BDO Jim Gee.
Lorica snaps up Gallagher Scotland and NI boss McEwan for regional role
Arthur J Gallagher’s Scotland and Northern Ireland regional managing director Alan McEwan has joined Lorica Insurance Brokers as regional director.
Revised rehab code to be published by end of Q2 2015
A revised rehabilitation code will be published by the end of the second quarter of 2015 after the International Underwriting Association-Association of British Insurers Rehabilitation Working Party reported an “unprecedented” response for views on a…
Road safety report calls for zero IPT rate for young drivers
The government should introduce a zero insurance premium tax rate for insured vehicles fitted with a telematics unit for drivers under the age of 25, according the Road Safety Foundation.
Insurers likely to benefit as Treasury looks to hike Pool Re fee
The government’s attempt to increase the fees it receives from Pool Re will provide substantial growth opportunities for independent insurers as buyers look for alternative cover, according to Lockton’s terrorism head.
Jelf adds LV products to panel after strengthening partnership deal
LV has become a strategic partner of broker Jelf in a deal that will see all of the insurer’s commercial products available through the Jelf panel.
Bishop assumes premium finance hotseat at Close Brothers
Close Brothers Premium Finance CEO Janet Wilson has been replaced by the chief operating officer of the firm’s banking division Sharon Bishop with immediate effect.
Motorists voice safety concerns ahead of driverless car trials
One in three UK motorists are concerned that driverless cars could be dangerous, according to a survey carried out by Autoglass.
Lloyd's senior manager How joins Cunningham Lindsey
Cunningham Lindsey has recruited Lloyd’s senior manager Simon How as global specialty markets director.
Ex-Liberty claims boss joins Capita as a consultant
Capita Insurance Services has signalled its intent to further develop its claims solutions operation with the appointment of James Witchell-Jones as a consultant.
JLT swoops for Aon cyber expert Stephens
Aon’s head of cyber and commercial errors and omissions for EMEA Sarah Stephens will take on the role of head of cyber, technology and media E&O at JLT Specialty’s Financial Lines Group in January 2015.
Covéa hires ex-Groupama boss Bird following broking venture
Former Groupama underwriting and claims director Phil Bird has joined Covéa Insurance where he will lead the insurer’s personal lines underwriting department.
Travelers business development manager Cole moves to Generali
Generali Global Corporate and Commercial UK has appointed Travelers’ business development manager James Cole as client and broker relationship manager.
Quindell boss Terry considers selling units amid struggling share price
Quindell will make moves to sell parts of the business if its share price does not improve after chairman Rob Terry claimed the outsourcer was “four to five times undervalued”.
Deakin to lead Gallagher retail business as Blanc departs
Arthur J Gallagher retail CEO Peter Blanc has exited the firm following the integration of the Oval business, with his role passing to chief operating officer Janice Deakin.
Dual welcomes new insurers after unveiling $425m quota share vehicle
Hyperion underwriting arm Dual has introduced a worldwide binder structure that brings $425m (£264.7m) of non-US international capacity together in a quota share vehicle.
AJG Re team transfers to Chilton's Capsicum Re business
Arthur J Gallagher’s reinsurance broking team has transferred to partner with Grahame Chilton’s Capsicum Re venture.
DLG pricing projects boss Clarke named as Hall's NIG successor
NIG has hired Direct Line Group's head of pricing projects Justin Clarke as Martin Hall’s successor to the role of director of underwriting and pricing.