Ex-Zurich SME chief lands top role at Ecclesiastical

Ecclesiastical has appointed Richard Coleman as its new managing director for UK general insurance business.

Coleman, who is currently European director and global head of insurance and assistance at broker Collinson, is replacing John Blundell, who confirmed in September that he will retire next year.

“I’m excited to be joining Ecclesiastical,” Coleman said. “It’s a strong and successful business with a great track record, and the potential and ambition to do more in a fast-changing market.

“It also has a unique purpose in the financial services sector to contribute to the greater good of society – something that speaks to me on a very personal level.

“I am really looking forward to working with my new colleagues and our broker partners.”

New start

Coleman is expected to start at Ecclesiastical on 1 February, subject to regulatory approval. Following this, he will undergo a handover period with Blundell.

Coleman started his career as a graduate trainee at Eagle Star, which was subsequently acquired by Zurich. He enjoyed an 18-year tenure at the global insurance firm, undertaking roles such as head of navigators and general, relating to Zurich’s yacht insurance line, and leadership of personal lines broker and SME within the organisation’s broker division.

He further worked as managing director of Zurich’s UK commercial broker business and is an advisory board member at artificial intelligence insurtech Cytora.

Forward thinking

Jacinta Whyte, deputy group chief executive at Ecclesiastical, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Richard to the business. He has significant insurance industry experience and is ideally placed to take this key role as we look to take our UKGI business forward.

“Richard has an impressive record of leading transformational change and delivering business growth and we are very much looking forward to him joining the team.”

Ecclesiastical, which is owned by the charity Allchurches Trust, is a specialist insurer of the faith, heritage, fine arts, charities, education and private client sectors.