Blanc appointed deputy chief exec of Towergate

Amanda Blanc has been promoted to the new role of deputy chief executive of Towergate, reporting to chief executive Andy Homer.

Blanc now has operational responsibility for Powerplace, the on-line market place for commercial insurance, Towergate Network businesses which include Broker Network and Countrywide, plus Towergate’s retail broking businesses.

Towergate chairman Peter Cullum said: “Amanda’s responsibilities have broadened to embrace Powerplace and Network Division (which Grant Ellis continues to Chair) and her new role reflects the importance we attach to these key businesses which we expect to grow significantly over the next three years”.

Blanc said: “I am delighted to take on these exciting responsibilities and firmly believe the organic growth we will achieve in Retail broking, Powerplace and in both Countrywide and Broker Network businesses will help redefine the general insurance market landscape.”

Meanwhile, Towergate announced that Nick Houghton, currently sales and marketing director of Broker Network, will be appointed managing director, allowing Grant Ellis to step back in his role as chairman. Martyn Denney, formerly managing director of Broker Network Insurance Brokers (now merged with Towergate retail division) is appointed to the post of Sales and Marketing Director of Cullum Capital Ventures.

Homer said: "These changes signal a strong investment in our Network offering to over 700 members over the next 3 years and with the energy of Nick and the knowledge and experience of Grant we have the dream team to achieve this. Our objective remains to grow membership numbers to 1000 over this period.”