Higos founder and managing director to take on chairman role

Higos  announced that Ian Gosden is to become chairman with immediate effect.

Gosden, who founded the south-west based broker in 1990, will focus on acquisitions, developing third-party distribution and product development.

Neil Thornton will take over as managing director for the time being while the business searches for someone to fill the position permanently.

Thornton joined Higos’ owners, GRP Group, as managing director of retail broking in 2016.

Gosden said: “Higos is a scale business which has grown fast in recent months, following four acquisitions since we became part of the GRP Group in March last year. This new role will help me to focus fully on Higos’ growth agenda and, as a result, I welcome Neil to the business to oversee the operational side.”

Mike Bruce, GRP’s chief executive, broking, said: “Giving Ian the means to spend more time focused on acquisitions will benefit the business, as M&A is in a sweet spot at the present time and we want to take full advantage.”

He added: “Ian will also continue to provide strategic oversight and development of the current introducer panel, which continues to be a key driver of organic growth in Higos within both non-standard household and commercial lines.”

Bruce also said that he expects to make an announcement on the new permanent managing director in due course.