Davey’s new challenge

See also: Jonathan Davey joins SSP

The return of industry heavy-hitter Jonathan Davey has been a long time in the making – but his decision to join SSP should come as no surprise.

The former chief executive of Primary Broker Services Holdings shocked the market when he decided to step down last November after more than five years at the helm – during which time he grew the business in to one of the UK’s biggest underwriting companies.

His new role will now see him attempt to raise the software giants profile in the UK, a move which coincides with the company’s decision to sell to buy out firm Hellman & Friedman just over two weeks ago.

Davey will face the challenge of establishing SSP as a key player in the UK software market, which already boasts a number of recognised players such Open GI, Acturis and CDL.

The private equity backing will undoubtedly play a huge part in the development of the business, with the firm believed to have ambitious plans in an attempt to add value to its current model.

However, Davey is no stranger to this area. Before joining primary, he spent seven years at Sirius, where he was managing director and founder of MasterPlan, the insurance schemes marketing business, and director of insurance distribution.

He will now call on his previous experience to drive the business forward, which recently unveiled record results that saw revenues increase by 67% to £64.4m, compared to £38.6m in 2007, with organic revenue growth of 12%.

Davey may have been out of the headlines in recent months, but if his influence at PBS is anything to go by, he could soon be making them.