Ageas confirms new UK chief distribution officer

Insurer Ageas UK has confirmed that former Aviva propositions director Adam Beckett has been appointed as its new chief distribution officer – he will start with the business from the beginning of 2021, subject to regulatory approval.

Beckett has spent the past 20 years working at rival Aviva. He has experience of marketing, digital distribution and sales within the general insurance industry. In addition, Beckett has knowledge of working with brokers to develop products, service propositions and to create innovative offers for customers and distribution partners within both personal and commercial lines.

Furthermore, Beckett has expertise in growing partnerships within the broker, aggregator, retail and affinity channels.

In his new role at Ageas, Beckett will have responsibility for leading the distribution strategy – this will include building upon Ageas’s existing broker channel, which generates more than 80% of the firm’s business.

Beckett’s role will see him liaise with Mark Auchterlonie, Darren Whittaker and Russell White, who were appointed as directors of distribution last year.

As a part of Ageas’s executive team, Beckett will additionally contribute to the leadership and decision making of the wider UK business.

Speaking on the appointment, Ageas UK chief executive Ant Middle said: “Adam’s proven leadership abilities and reputation for being able to manage high performing distribution channels, while maintaining strong relationships in the broker market make him an obvious choice as our new chief distribution officer. His appointment completes the additions to the UK executive team, and we look forward to welcoming him to this key role.”

Beckett added: “I am delighted to be joining the Ageas team at an exciting time for the business and working closely with our distribution partners to support our shared growth ambitions.

“Ageas already has a great customer proposition and I look forward to playing my part to continue to develop this in 2021 and beyond at a time of change and opportunity in the insurance market.”