New UK chief for Ageas as Barry Smith is promoted

Barry Smith is leaving his role as UK chief executive to become group chief operating officer, as managing director UK retail Andy Watson replaces him.

Mark Cliff, currently head managing director of Ageas Insurance Limited, will in April become chief executive of Ageas Retail and Distribution.

And that means that François-Xavier Boisseau is appointed chief executive of insurance, in charge of Ageas Insurance Limited and Groupama Insurances.

Smith, who will now report to group chief executive Bart De Smet, said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this new role and the opportunity to work even more closely with Bart and our experienced CEOs in Europe and Asia to grow our business profitably.

“Ageas is already a very strong business with a clear strategy and clear targets towards 2015, focused on the needs of our business partners and customers. I’m looking forward to building on that client focus across our markets.”

Watson said: “It’s an exciting time for Ageas UK as we continue to expand our business and a real privilege to be leading it through the next phase of its progression.

“The new roles for Mark and François reflect their expertise and experience, with François managing our growing technical capability and Mark strengthening relationships with our broker and affinity customers as well as our owned brands.”

“Together with Barry’s new role, the continuity within the UK and Ageas Group will be further strengthened. We also have great support from.”

More to follow.