Hastings hires new underwriting MD

Hastings Direct has appointed Ed Biemer as managing director, underwriting services.

Biemer takes up his new post at the broker today and joins from US insurer Allstate. He will report directly to Hastings group chief executive Gary Hoffman.

The appointment forms part of a restructure at Hastings, which sees the broker separate its underwriting arm from its claims and anti-fraud operations. The claims arm will continue to be led by Michael Lee, managing director, insurer services. Lee will also take overall responsibility for the company’s growing telematics product offering – earmarked as a key area for growth over the next five years.

Hoffman said: “We have ambitious plans to grow our customer base by providing refreshingly straightforward insurance. Ed has a first class insurance pedigree having managed a multi-billion dollar portfolio at Allstate.

“He was also integral in developing new rating plans which factored in economic modelling and competitive and market intelligence to create a sophisticated decision engine.”

On his appointment Biemer said: “Hastings is genuinely a dynamic company with an impressive track record and I am anticipating an exciting time ahead as we manage the next stages of its development.”