Specialist Risk Group, a London-based insurance broker, have hired a team of 16 from AFL Insurance Brokers, led by Jonathan Bines, AFL’s former CEO.
SRG said this announcement marks its first London market team hire of the year and is aimed at further expansion of the broker’s specialist insurance and reinsurance broking activities, in particular beyond the UK & Ireland.
AFL had no comment about the move or how it will change its ongoing business offering. (Editor’s note: As AFL’s media team was listed on the SRG press release, the move appears to be a friendly one).
Bines has been CEO at AFL since 2019, having previously held leadership positions at JLT and Integro.
The incoming team from AFL includes Chris Cavani, David Thomas, Sarah Stephen, Neil Cullis and Chris Gagg, who have particular expertise in U.S., Canadian and Australian specialist wholesale, binding authorities and London market facultative reinsurance.
SRG said it has agreed with AFL an orderly transfer for the team and its clients and is working closely together to ensure a smooth transition.
“I am thrilled that Jonathan and his colleagues are joining SRG as we expand our specialist team which now numbers more than 400,” said Warren Downey, SRG group CEO.
“The incoming team will be welcomed with open arms to SRG, and I am looking forward to working with them as we expand our international reach and relevance. Jonathan is an experienced leader who will bring great value to the SRG executive committee as he leads this endeavor,” Downey continued.
“Ever mindful of client service and disruption, we are pleased to have agreed an orderly transfer with AFL,” he said.
“We are delighted to be joining Specialist Risk Group at such an exciting stage of their growth journey. We have been working closely with the SRG team to ensure a smooth transition, and I am confident this will be achieved in the coming weeks,” said Bines.
“We have a fantastic opportunity to build on the offering we have created to date and to provide even better solutions for our producers and clients who now more than ever need specialist and expert advice which is delivered with energy, passion, and determination. I am excited to be joining SRG’s leadership team as we extend our international ambitions,” Bines continued.
SRG commented that this team hire tops off a busy first quarter of acquisitions, which included UK broker KBIS British Equestrian Insurance; GB Underwriting, a UK MGA that provides property and liability solutions in the building, construction and associated trades; UK trade credit specialist The Channel Partnership; Emrose Insurance Brokers, and CLS RS, a UK managing general agent that provides risk solutions for real estate development projects.
Source: Specialist Risk Group
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