Broker Network boss quits to join JM Glendinning

Networks were under the spotlight again this week as Broker Network and Countrywide reacted to the surprise departure of managing director Nick Houghton.

Houghton resigned to take charge of Broker Network member JM Glendinning in West Yorkshire, as revealed by Insurance Times on Tuesday.

There were also further developments at Cobra Network, as strategic account manager Ray Heap became the latest staffer to exit. Former Cobra director Dave Truman joined FSJ Broking, and the network’s ex-managing director John Lincoln is tipped to join him at the Giles-owned business, Insurance Times understands. Giles refused to comment.

Houghton has become managing director of the ambitious £12m gross written premium (GWP) broker JM Glendinning, which has been a member of Broker Network since 2003. Last year, its managing director Paul Glendinning revealed plans to open 10 offices in 10 years and grow GWP to more than £20m in five years.

Houghton’s exit comes three months after Broker Network’s partnership deal with Aviva broke down, and one day after Towergate’s network division posted a 14%
revenue drop to £8.9m (H1 2011: £10.3m) and a 17% drop in operating profit to £5.4m (H1 2011: £6.5m). Houghton’s decision to resign is not thought to be linked with these events.

Broker Networks division chief executive Tim Johnson, who has taken over interim operational responsibility, moved quickly to reassure the network’s membership. In an email to its 700 members, he said it was “business as usual”.

Johnson also said he would be working closely with the network division’s customer services director Paul Roberts, finance director Richard Shannon and sales director Scott Bennett to continue negotiations with insurers.

Towergate chief executive Mark Hodges confirmed that Aviva’s disagreement with Broker Network was “a contributory factor” to its poor first-half performance.
But Johnson played down the spat in his email. “As you have seen through the deals we have recently negotiated, we have succeeded in broadening many of these relationships following our decision to part company with Aviva.

“You have shown your support of the network and belief in our model by supporting our partner insurers and by making a statement to the market about our collective strength.”

He said the company would “take some time” to consider a replacement for Houghton, who was given a glowing reference by network members. One told Insurance Times: “It’s a real shame losing Nick; he did a good job with the tools that he was given.”