AA names new chief executive following Bob Mackenzie sacking

AA has named acting chief executive Simon Breakwell as its new permanent chief executive.

The new chief executive is now reviewing the business to ensure it has what it needs to meet its potential.

Breakwell, previously a non-executive director, stepped in as acting chief executive of the AA on 1 August after the roadside assistance and insurance broking firm sacked executive chairman Bob Mackenzie for gross misconduct.

The chairman part of Mackenzie’s role was taken by John Leach.

Breakwell’s appointment as permanent chief closely follows the AA’s admission that it had been in preliminary talks to merge the insurance side of its business with insurance group Hastings.

Breakwell joined the AA as non-executive director in 2014. He had previously set up the European operations of cab company Uber.

Leach said: “The board is very pleased that Simon Breakwell has agreed to take the role of CEO on a permanent basis. He has, since his appointment as acting CEO, invested his full energy and skills into the company and identified the means of strengthening it, reinvigorating our people, and rebuilding the culture under his leadership.”

Breakwell added: “I am now reviewing what the business needs to deliver its potential. I am confident that we have the financial strength to build the right team and equip it appropriately to deliver a distinctive business proposition which can generate growth. This will give us the best chance to realise the promise we have all recognised in the AA.”