powerlist2016 page2
Post Powerlist 2016
In a year where regulation, natural disasters, consolidation and cyber/digital again look set to make waves, and when the country could learn if it’s in or out of the European Union Post had a mind mapping session* to see who are likely to be the biggest influencers or dare we say disrupters in the insurance market in 2016. With staff reshuffles a plenty in 2015 over 50% are new entries which prove there could be some new names among the headlines over the next 12 months.
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Peter Blanc
Executive Chairman, Aston Scott
One of the last mid-sized independent brokers left – this firm is sure to see some deals and growth over the next year. It could also be prime target for takeover, so which direction will Blanc take it in?
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Dominic Burke
Group CEO, JLT
Back and refreshed after a career break that got tongues wagging, but actually proved to be no more than a long deserved career break, Burke is back in the saddle of the broking behemoth that unlike flashier rivals, tends to go about its business more quietly.
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Steve Treloar
MD, General Insurance, LV
As the founding old guard leave, former Aviva personal lines head Treloar has joined LV to head the mutual’s general insurance business. Can he keep the same customer focus ethos at the insurer; how will he look to change it; and if he does how successful will he be?
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Kevin Spencer
Group CEO, Markerstudy
Last year’s acquisition of Chaucer’s motor business saw Markerstudy’s gross written premium move north of £900m and increase its headcount by 430. The firm also added acquisitons of Lionheart and Ultimate during the year and its unlikely Spencer will stop there as it celebrates its 15th anniversary.
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Richard Pryce
CEO, QBE Europe
2015 was a steady year for QBE – we expect more of the same next year under stewardship of Pryce.
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Brendan McManus
CEO, PIB
Reuniting with his partner Chris Giles at PIB last year, the question remains are there enough targets to go round. Especially as the Caryle Group has backed its growth strategy. One to watch this year we think.
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Neil Nimmo
CEO, Lockton
After 10 years under the stewardship of company stalwart Mike Hammond, who has held the position of UK and international CEO since the acquisition of Alexander Forbes' international business in 2006, Lockton sees a new dawn with his remit passing to current international operations deputy CEO. Nimmo plans to oversee selective "investment, nurturing and repositioning" of certain parts of the business, such as marine and aviation so 2016 could see the £2bn broker come out from the shadows of some of its more deal hungry competitors.
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David Stephens
CEO, Admiral
Taking over the reins from market stalwart Henry Engelhardt, incoming CEO David Stephens has a tough act to follow. Will he be as prominent in the market and will he guide the motor insurer into the new age of telematics and automous vehicles – only time will tell.
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Bronek Masojada
Hiscox Group CEO
Masojada has identified “plenty of opportunities for growth” off the back of a 12.9% increase in gross written premiums to £1.54bn for the first nine months of 2015 (9M 2014: £1.36bn). However, given the multiple that its rival Chubb went for, Hiscox might also finally get an offer that it literally cannot refuse.
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David Howden
Group CEO, Hyperion Group
Following the acquisition of RK Harrison, Howden told the market an initial public offering was a “stepping stone to the company’s next phase of growth”, but played for time by saying it would need time to bed in the merger. Is 2016 the year of the IPO?
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Paul Geddes
CEO, Direct Line
Analysts at investment bank Macquarie suggested that “cracks are appearing” in the Direct Lines’ reserving policy after Geddes trumpeted the insurers reserve releasing in ‘strong' H1 results. Meanwhile, NIG put 71 roles at risk in a surprise offshoring move, and the group split from long time affinity partner Nationwide. On a positive note the group’s brands remain among the most recognisable in UK insurance.
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Nicolas Aubert
CEO, Willis GB
At the start of 2015, Aubert was just taking his seat as CEO of Willis GB and following the $18bn merger of the broker with consulting giant Towers Watson he ended the year as CEO of the Willis Ltd, with responsibility for the insurance and reinsurance businesses in the UK. The firm expects to generate £4.7bn in incremental value for shareholders while making £100m to $125m saving so his rise up the Powerlist is not surprising.
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Dominic Christian
Executive chairman of Aon Benfield and UK CEO
In 2014, Christian declared he was ready to rumble and confident his firm is capable of delivering a knockout blow to market rivals in a bid to build on its strong position in the UK. This hasn’t come to fruition yet so maybe he is one to watch this year as he also takes the position of president of the Institute of London.
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Andy Watson
Ageas UK CEO
Despite extending its partnership with Tesco, it was a relatively quiet 2015 for Ageas, which in the current climate should be seen as a positive tick in the box for boss Watson.
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Stephen Hester
Group CEO, RSA
Rumours abound that Hester is ready to move on from this challenge but after the failed bid from Zurich it looks like he might have to wait a big longer for an “out” by virtue of a takeover. In the meantime he has committed to make sure RSA becomes "the most valuable company we can make it”, which will make interesting reading for any future suitors.