Six regional executives to be replaced by two area managers

Biba is making its regional executive roles redundant, Insurance Times has learned.

In a letter seen by Insurance Times, chief executive Steve White said members’ needs would be better served by a clearer and stronger focus on commercial income.

It will replace the five part-time and one full-time executive positions with two area managers at the end of the year. The two area managers will work under Biba’s new commercial manager, Chris Knott.

The individuals affected have been warned they are at risk of redundancy and given the opportunity to apply for the new area manager roles.

The area managers will have clear targets for new membership acquisition, scheme and broker assess income.

The letter from White said: “This has been a difficult decision made following the strategic review and restructure of the association, one that has not been taken lightly, and I am very grateful for all the support and valuable contributions made by the regional executives.

“Let me restate that Biba is completely committed to the future of our regional committees and the creation of the advisory board role for the regional chairmen demonstrates how important they are to the future of Biba.”

Not cost-cutting measure

White said the move was not a cost-cutting measure, and pointed out that Biba’s head count is larger than last year.

“I made a commitment at the Biba conference that the executive will be more visible around the regions and we are delivering on that.

“As a team we are out and about talking and eyeballing brokers on a far more regular and senior basis.

“And giving more co-ordination to Biba’s commercial income takes the pressure of membership income. If we don’t increase our commercial income we will have to increase our membership fees,” he told Insurance Times.

In the past year Biba has made new appointments in regulation and public affairs and Diane Smyllie, a regional executive for the South East and Central England, has moved to a new position as membership co-ordinator.

 

 

 

 

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