People
Big Interview: Colin Johnson, Hadron Insurance
As a former footballer turned fronting-carrier CEO, Hadron’s Colin Johnson knows the best managers succeed by creating a top team, who can achieve goals, and know the way the opposition plays.
Diary of an Insurer: Prestige’s Tim Baxter
Tim Baxter, business development and relationship director at Prestige Underwriting, navigates a week of strategy sessions in Belfast, broker visits in Manchester and London, and home-office conference calls – all in the name of expanding the MGA’s non…
Penny Black’s Social Diary: Aviva’s time capsule; Zurich’s beef
Penny Black is back, sharing the tittle-tattle she overheard at insurance industry events, reviewing the quality of buffets at conferences and giving a thumbs up – or down – to the sector’s social media posts.
Lloyd’s survey shows culture continuing to improve
Lloyd’s 2025 culture survey found the market has outperformed financial services industry standards, with 26 out of 28 comparable questions scoring above the financial services benchmark.
HDI CEO Ogden exits after six years
Stephanie Ogden, CEO of HDI Global UK and Ireland, will leave the business on 31 January to become CEO of Munich Re Specialty - Global Markets.
Axa UK Retail CEO departs for Axa's health business
Alain Zweibrucker, former CEO of Axa UK, has commenced his role as CEO of Axa's health business after being appointed in November.
Axa’s David Pearce rejoins Aviva
David Pearce, director of retail direct at Axa UK, has rejoined Aviva after four years.
60 Seconds With... Charles Taylor’s James Cranmer
James Cranmer, training programme manager at Charles Taylor Assistance, blends a love of learning, tech and tidy spaces.
Insurance Museum awarded National Lottery Heritage Fund grant
The Insurance Museum has been awarded a £249,700 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Allianz claims director resurfaces at Weightmans
Allianz Personal’s former claims director Caroline Johnson has joined Weightmans as its claims director and executive board member.
Ex-Aviva exec Riley awarded CBE for leadership and inclusion
Cathryn Riley has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to business leadership and inclusion in the 2026 New Years Honours List.
Axa UK’s Dougie Barnett hangs up his boots
Dougie Barnett is retiring after more than 40 years in the general insurance sector, most recently leading Axa UK’s customer risk management function.
Penny Black’s Social Diary: RAC’s car set; S&P’s chicken
Penny Black is back, sharing the tittle-tattle she overheard at insurance industry events, reviewing the quality of buffets at conferences, and giving a thumbs up – or down – to the sector’s social media posts.
Diary of an Insurer: Gallagher’s Cheryl Phillips
Cheryl Phillips, regional managing director of the South West for Gallagher, criss-crosses the region, integrates new teams, catches ups with clients, spots talent and enjoys a well-earned office Christmas party.
Underwriting takes its toll so mental health support is vital
Tim Groves, professional communities and engagement manager at the Chartered Insurance Institute, outlines the lessons learned from a recent wellbeing programme run by the trade body’s Underwriting Community.
60 Seconds With... Sarah Vaughan, Angelica Solutions
Whether it’s crunching numbers, finishing every project she starts, or dancing to Pulp, Sarah Vaughan, founder and director of Angelica Solutions, finds balance between work, play and perseverance.
Diary of an Insurer: QBE’s Hannah Wilkinson
Hannah Wilkinson, motor trade underwriting manager of QBE, gets her team's pipeline, performance and priorities ready for 2026, collaborates with cyber underwriting colleagues, and looks forward to the wonderful mayhem of a family weekend.
Penny Black’s Social Diary: Markerstudy’s feast; ISC’s balloons
Penny Black is back, sharing the tittle-tattle she overheard at insurance industry events, reviewing the quality of buffets at conferences and giving a thumbs up – or down – to the sector’s social media posts.
Esure CEO already heading for the exit
Peter Martin-Simon, who took on the role as CEO at Esure in October, will leave his top job at the insurer in April.
IUA members fret over emerging skills gap
The International Underwriting Association has heard concern from members around the emerging skills gap in insurance as the workforce approaches retirement.
Diary of an Insurer: Gigasure’s Ernesto Suarez
Ernesto Suarez, CEO of Gigasure and newly appointed co-chair of Insurtech UK, is a travel insurance innovator on a mission to keep on running, be at the cutting edge of developments, plus plan the next family adventure.