Cooter joins Covea as commercial director

Covéa Insurance has hired Simon Cooter as commercial lines director.

Cooter’s most recent role was as director, market management and regional operations at QBE, the position he had previously held at Brit Insurance prior to QBE’s acquisition of Brit’s UK regional operations. Before Brit, he spent 18 years at RSA.

Covéa Insurance chief executive James Reader said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve been able to attract someone of Simon’s calibre and experience to join our executive team and lead the development and delivery of our commercial lines strategy.” 

“Growing our commercial lines business is a key part of our overall strategy and Simon’s track record of leading strategic change, building strong partnerships with brokers, and delivering profitable growth demonstrates that he is the right person to help us realise our ambitions.”

Cooter said: “From the first conversation with James, the opportunity at Covéa Insurance excited me; the prospect of playing a key role in the growth of a new organisation that is both ambitious, and backed by a financially secure parent, was an opportunity not to be missed. 

“I’m looking forward to leading the formulation of the commercial lines strategy and ensuring that we have a proposition that brokers and their clients can’t ignore.”

Cooter will begin the role on 14 January. Covéa said his appointment marks the completion of its executive team.