Peer is Biba’s first chairman from outside the industry

Biba’s first non-executive director (INED) Lord David Hunt of Wirral has been voted in as chairman by the board.

He replaces Andy Homer, who stepped down in November after completing his two-year term as chairman.

Lord Hunt is a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Insurance and Financial Services, and a former president of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

He takes the role, which is for two years, with immediate effect.

The appointment marks a landmark decision for Biba to appoint an INED or someone outside of a broking organisation as its chairman.  

The decision is a result of the Biba’s strategic review, which recommended that governance of the association could be strengthened by the appointment of an independent NED.

Following its consultation, members agreed that an INED would benefit the organisation and Lord Hunt joined the board in November

Biba deputy chairman and Arthur J Gallagher UK Retail chief executive Brendan McManus said: “This is a bold move for Biba and demonstrates how serious we are about promoting and protecting the interests of our members and their customers.  

“The strategic review has led to some significant changes at Biba and this appointment is one of them. Lord Hunt’s wealth of experience, external and political knowledge will strengthen our strategic decisions.”

On his new appointment Lord Hunt said: “I’m delighted to take up this important role during such an interesting and challenging period for brokers. I look forward to engaging with the issues of most importance to Biba’s members, starting with the launch of its 2014 Manifesto at the House of Commons next week.”

After completing his two-year term there will be an option for a re-election. McManus remains as deputy chairman until that time.

Biba chief executive Steve White added: “I and the Biba executive team welcome Lord Hunt’s appointment as chair. His experience will be of great benefit to the board, the executive team and members more generally. We look forward to working with him.”

Topics