Groupama grows schemes team

In a further boost to its commercial schemes business, Groupama Insurances has appointed Sarah Stephen to the newly created role of schemes underwriting manager. Reporting to Malcolm Smith, commercial insurances manager, Stephen’s appointment reflects the growing significance of commercial schemes within Groupama’s business portfolio.

Smith said: “Sarah’s appointment is another clear demonstration of our commitment to give brokers and intermediaries access to the skills and expertise needed to really exploit the opportunities available within the niche area of commercial schemes. Her role will enable us to respond quickly to opportunities and really reinforces the message that Groupama is becoming a formidable player within this specialist field with the skills and resources to make commercial schemes an even greater success.”

Stephen brings over 14 years insurance industry experience and joins Groupama Insurances from Towergate where she was the new business team manager for their commercial property owners zone. Previously she held commercial lines and personal lines management and underwriting positions with NIG, Norwich Union and Royal and Sun Alliance.

Stephen will be responsible for the overall management and development of schemes business, heading up a team that now comprises 9 specialist schemes underwriters. She will ensure a continuing focus on the profitability of individual schemes and will also play a key part in developing new business propositions in liaison with Groupama’s sales and development team.

Smith added: “Sarah will be a major asset to the team and will help to ensure that our business partners both realise and maximise the opportunities offered by commercial schemes. This has become an important area of business for Groupama and we intend to build on our strong portfolio of schemes business to fully exploit its future potential.”