Articles by Mark Sands
Former LAS manager Hogarth handed North America remit
The most senior remaining member of LAS’s management team has been handed a promotion at Innovation Group, taking on product development for North America.
One in five London insurers ‘materially reliant’ on investments to turn a profit says PWC
20% of London market insurers will require solid investment returns in order to record a profit through to 2015, according to PWC, who point to a continued abundance of capacity dampening rate increases.
LV extends Nationwide motor contract
LV has completed a deal to further extend its partnership with building society Nationwide on car insurance products.
Quindell recruits PWC for accounting review
Insurance services firm Quindell has appointed PWC to conduct an independent review of accounting policies and forecasts for cash generation.
Brightside CEO Williams heads for the exit
Brightside CEO Paul Williams is to leave next year as private equity backer Anacap continues to shuffle the broker’s leadership.
Towergate bankers invite bondholder bids
Bankers charged with finding a buyer for Towergate have moved to invite bids from the embattled broker’s bondholders.
Zurich on track for 2016 targets
Zurich has told investors it remains confident of hitting financial targets for 2016 as part of a presentation on performance.
FCA blocks Cardiff broker
The Financial Conduct Authority has cancelled permissions for a Cardiff-based insurance broker over concerns around filing of returns.
ABI hits out at ‘misleading’ flood funding figures
The Association of British Insurers has questioned figures from the government suggesting that spending on flood defences remains above optimal levels.
Innovation Group names DLG's Weeks as damage director
Service provider Innovation Group has named Chris Weeks as its new director of damage for the UK motor team.
Pioneer recruits from Travelers for FI boss
Minova-owned Pioneer Underwriting has named Travelers’ assistant general manager of professional risks as its new head of financial institutions.
Towergate compliance non-exec Strachan steps down
Towergate’s non-executive director for group risk and compliance has stepped down from his role.
Osborne unveils tax relief on flood defence contributions
Chancellor George Osborne has pledged to cut taxes on business contributions on flood defences in order to encourage private sector investment.
Aviva risk boss named IRM chair
Aviva’s group risk director José Morago has been appointed chairman of the Institute of Risk Management.
Liberty’s Irish CEO O’Brien steps down
The CEO of Liberty Insurance in Ireland is to step down three years after being appointed to lead the reform of the formerly Seán Quinn-run business.
CMA threatens Xchanging with in-depth competition probe
The Competition and Markets Authority has pledged to undertake an in-depth investigation of Xchanging’s acquisition of Agencyport unless the firm can address concerns of the deal’s impact on competition.
Innovation Group inks £46m deal for motor service specialist as CEO departs
Innovation Group has revealed a deal to spend up to £46m on one of the UK’s leading motor service plan specialists, alongside announcing the departure of CEO Andy Roberts.
Crawford EMEA boss denies GAB Robins deal will warrant claims handler job cuts
Rivals claim combined adjusters’ size will make it unattractive to small clients
More brokers could follow Gallagher in severing Towergate Underwriting ties
Broker predicts ‘bloodbath’ between Arthur J Gallagher and Towergate
Market Moves - 4 December 2014
All the latest job moves in the insurance market.
Axa inks £20m Paymentshield partnership
Axa Commercial Lines and Personal Intermediary has agreed to join Paymentshield household panel, in a move expected to deliver £20m of premiums over five years.
ABI lukewarm on £470m flood defence plans
The Association of British Insurers has provided a measured response to Treasury plans to spend £470m on flood defences as part of a previously announced commitment of more than £2.3bn of public spending.
Aviva finalises £5.6bn Friends Life takeover
Aviva has completed a deal to acquire Friends Life for £5.6bn, with shareholders of the new purchase taking on 26% of Aviva.
Covéa closes Sterling deal
Covéa has completed a deal to acquire high-net worth insurer Sterling from founder Nicholas Cooper.