Ageas refreshes broker distribution structure

Ageas has invested in a restructure of its intermediated channel, implementing three new director of distribution roles to grow the business’s broker and partnership channels.

The newly created leadership positions, which are split by intermediated distribution channel, will replace Chris Dobson, distribution and development director, when he retires from the firm at the end of 2019.

The director of distribution roles will report into Ageas’s chief customer officer, Ant Middle.

Restructure

Two of the new positions have been filled internally. Darren Whittaker, current head of personal lines key accounts, has been appointed as director of distribution for large personal line brokers and affinity partnerships, while Mark Auchterlonie, head of strategic accounts, will fulfil the director of distribution for large commercial lines brokers and new business development position.

Whittaker’s job role will help Ageas consolidate its personal lines key accounts and affinity partners business into a single focused area, streamlining relationships, the company said.

Whittaker will primarily focus on building personal lines accounts and leading the development of new and existing affinity partnerships, including Age Co and Connells.

Auchterlonie, who has 30 years of industry experience, will work on developing commercial broker accounts and will also be responsible for identifying new business development opportunities, including insurtech, across the wider broker community.

The final position, the director of distribution for regional brokers, niche and specialist scheme, is still being recruited for; Ageas expects to confirm an appointment by the end of the year.

Moving forwards

Middle said: “These internal appointments demonstrate the effectiveness of our succession plans, while also maximising our already strong and established relationships with the intermediated market.

“Both Mark and Darren are well respected distribution leaders with significant industry experience and extensive market networks. I’m more than confident that we have an extremely strong team to continue to deliver the service and results our brokers and partners have come to expect from Ageas.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chris Dobson for his contribution to Ageas and for his assistance in developing this new structure. I look forward to further strengthening the team with the final appointment for the regional broker, niche and schemes role by the end of the year.”