Direct Group hires Merlin director

Direct Group has swooped to appoint Russell Crewe from Merlin as claims business unit director.

Crewe will report to Direct Group chief executive Derek Coles and will be based in at Elland in Halifax.

His main responsibilities include building Direct Group’s position as a market leader in providing claims management in the property market.

Crewe began his loss adjusting career dealing with subsidence claims. He has worked at GAB Robins and Ashworth Mairs Group (AMG) and also set up QCRN, the building repair network and surveying services division of AMG.

In 2002, Crewe was promoted to QCRN unit partner operations and in 2005 became director of operations following a management buyout. He has undertaken this role since heading up the chartered loss adjusting and claims management division of Merlin.

Coles said: “I am delighted that someone of Russell’s calibre and reputation is joining Direct Group. He has a proven track record and his experience and market knowledge will considerably strengthen both our claims proposition and the executive team.

“The appointment of Russell to claims completes the final part of our business unit jigsaw, alongside the senior management team of David Jackson (distribution), Colin Jones (validation) and Stuart Pendleton (strategic partnerships).”

Crewe said: “Derek painted a compelling picture of the potential for the Direct Group in general, and the claims unit in particular, as it has grown rapidly over the last two years. I am very much looking forward to playing a leading role in moving the business to the next stage of its development.”