After 10 years with Ageas UK, Andy Watson has decided to step down from his role as CEO and will be succeeded by Ant Middle, the current chief customer officer, Ageas announced.
Watson has decided to step down from his role as CEO to embark on a next stage of his life, including further academic education and securing a small portfolio of non-executive roles.
Watson joined Ageas in 2010 as managing director of its retail arm and became CEO of Ageas UK in 2013. He has seen the business through significant change, while operating in one of the most competitive insurance markets in the world, and maintaining a significant presence in the broker and intermediated market, said the Eastleigh, UK insurer, which is a subsidiary of Ageas Group in Brussels.
Subject to regulatory approval, Middle will take over as CEO from June 1, 2020.
With more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Middle has held a number of senior positions in the general, health and life insurance sectors. He joined Ageas as managing director of Partnerships in 2014 and was appointed CEO of Ageas Retail in 2015. He became chief customer officer in January 2019. In his time with the business, he has played a pivotal role in the development of Ageas’ relationships in the broker and intermediated market, as well as overseeing the launch of Ageas as a direct brand.
Watson will remain with the business until the end of June to ensure a smooth handover to Middle who will take up the CEO position from June 1, 2020.
“We welcome Ant Middle to the position of CEO. With Ant, we have appointed a leader with a broad background and knowledge of the industry, combined with strong and established industry relationships with brokers and partners,” commented Bart De Smet, CEO Ageas Group.
“His significant leadership experience and passion for the business means he is well positioned to drive the business forward and navigate the opportunities and challenges facing the UK insurance market,” he added.
“We are incredibly grateful to Andy for his commitment to our UK business over the last 10 years, in what have been very challenging market conditions. While we regret to see Andy leave, we recognize the significant contribution he has made to the business and the industry as a whole. He leaves the business with our best wishes for his future endeavors,” De Smet went on to say.
Source: Ageas
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