Michael Lawton to run Towergate broking in management shake-up

Towergate has restructured its senior management team in a move chief executive Mark Hodges said would bring more focus to its different segments.

In October Towergate combined Towergate Risk Solutions (TRS) and Cullum Capital Ventures (CCV) into a face-to-face broking business named Towergate Insurance Brokers, headed by Michael Rea.

Today it has appointed TRS chief executive Mike Lawton to run the enlarged broking division created by the combination of TRS and CCV. Lawton will report to Rea.

David Bruce has moved from his post of CCV chief executive to bespoke underwriting chief executive, where he will report to Towergate Underwriting chief executive Clive Nathan.

He replaces Scott Brown who will leave Towergate on 1 March.

Towergate has also promoted Joe Thelwell to national trading director. Reporting to Lawton, Thelwell will be responsible for the day-to-day running of Towergate’s regional broking operations. Thelwell was previously regional managing director for the Midlands and central region.

Towergate group chief executive Mark Hodges said: “The integration of our two broker businesses into a single entity forms a key part of our strategic agenda. 

“These changes will further support our commitment to improve our service to customers, bring more management focus to our different segments, achieve sustainable top-line growth and support the delivery of our strategy.”       

October’s restructure also saw the creation of Towergate Direct, which will house consumer SME and specialist personal lines business. Towergate has not yet announced a chief executive for Towergate Direct. Ultimately responsibility for Towergate Direct also sits with Michael Rea.