Managing director departure is part of group restructure
Longhawk Group’s managing director is to step down this year, the company announced.
Paul Smith will step down on 31 March 2009. He will act as a consultant to the executive team.
Finance director Tim Ward is also stepping down, following the appointment in October of Michael Warren as finance and operations director.
The changes stem from the restructuring of the group last April.
Howard Posner, executive chairman, said: “Whilst this transition was planned back in April, it is always a significant moment when such change comes to fruition. As the founder of the organisation Paul has established a very solid business, which has grown, substantially under his guidance.
“Having now settled in to their positions I am very confident that the senior team of Karen Smith, Alastair Harnby and Michael Warren will continue to build upon Paul’s achievements. The leadership structure going forward is designed to make sure that our clients and customers are at the heart of everything we do.
“Our focus will be on building deep, lasting relationships with our clients, customers and capacity providers. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to persuade Paul to remain closely connected with the group as we will all benefit from his experience.”
Smith said: “The decision to move on after almost 20 years was far from easy but, from a personal perspective, the change will enable me to give considerably more time to my other interests; it will allow me to sail more and to spend time developing fresh interests both commercial and personal.
“However I do intend to stay closely linked with the group, both through my new position as a consultant to the executive team and also as a shareholder, and so will continue be part of their exciting future. We have a great opportunity to build on our success and I’m confident that our new structure and our highly experienced leadership team will enable us to take advantage of the rapidly developing market place and build the Longhawk Group.”
The Longhawk Group includes UK Underwriting, Acumus, Acumus Social Housing, Nexus Claims and Primary Assist. It writes gross premium in excess of £150million.
