Ex-Brightside chief exec Paul Williams joins Thistle as MD

Thistle Insurance, the managing general agency (MGA) of broker JLT, has hired former Brightside chief executive Paul Williams as managing director, Insurance Times can reveal.

Former Thistle chief executive Paul Matthews left the company in May.

In his new role Williams has taken on day-to-day responsibility for running the Thistle business, working closely with executive chairman Martin Hiller.

Williams joins Thistle from Brightside. He was replaced by Andy Wallin as Brightside chief executive last December.

Prior to that Williams was the retail director at Towergate.

Thistle has also hired Ian Robinson as its chief operating officer.

Robinson will report to Williams and will take executive board responsibility for the operational management of Thistle.

Robinson joins Thistle from JLT Asia where he has been chief operating officer since 2012.

Commenting on Williams’s appointment Hiller said: “[Williams] has extensive experience in the UK insurance industry that will be of great value to Thistle. His knowledge of specialist niches, MGAs and the digital landscape will be a great asset as we continue to grow the business.”

Williams added: “I look forward to working with the executive team to ensure we deliver on the strategic priorities.

“I am attracted by the potential of Thistle, which has a track record of developing and distributing market-leading products and there is huge potential. I urge individuals and talented professionals in the niche MGA arena who would like to play a part in growing the business to get in touch.”