Hearne appointed group markets director at Jelf

The Jelf Group has appointed Bob Hearne as group markets director – insurance, a move that marks the next phase in its development strategy.

In the last 12 months the Group’s insurance business has grown to more than £220 of GWP following the acquisitions of Lampier Group, Mansons Insurance Brokers, Argyll Insurance and Clarke Roxburgh Insurance Brokers.

Hearne has been managing director of Lampier since 2003 and continued in that role after it was acquired by the group. He will now report directly to CEO Alex Alway and will be responsible for developing the strategic relationships and trading agreements with its general insurance partners.

Hearne said: “I’m delighted with this new role. My main objective will be to leverage the advantages of being a larger entity, and pass those benefits on to our clients. This will involve engaging our insurer partnerships at a Group level while at the same time maintaining the strong local trading relationships that currently exist.”

Alex Alway added: “With 35 years’ experience within the insurance industry, Bob is well equipped to ensure the interests of the key stakeholders are met. His knowledge of the industry will enable us to take a broader look at the market and agree deals that will make our proposition the best in the market for our clients. Bob is a key member of the executive team and I’m glad he is up for the challenge.”

Hearne will maintain his position as chairman of the Lampier board. Simon James, formerly deputy managing director, will assume the role of managing director of Lampier.