GRP unveils latest senior hire

GRP has propelled former Close Brothers new business sales director David Cunningham into the role of investment director as the broker bids to boost its M&A and premium finance strategies.

Reporting in to head of M&A Stephen Ross, Cunningham will be focused on the group’s M&A activity in the retail broking and MGA markets, as well as overseeing premium finance, GRP said.

“David is a very well-known figure in our sector, with an outstanding track record of business development during his time at Close Brothers Premium Finance,” Ross said. 

“Although we have already an excellent pipeline of acquisition opportunities, we want to step up the pace of our inorganic growth, in lockstep with the continued improvement in the Group’s organic growth performance.”

GRP wants to capitalise on Cunningham’s experience in the premium finance sector, with the aim of “increased finance penetration” and improving deals with its finance providers.

Commenting on his appointment, Cunningham said: “GRP is one of the most exciting brands in the broking sector, and a great home for broking entrepreneurs who want to create value and share in the Group’s growth trajectory.

”I’m convinced that the pandemic will accelerate M&A activity in retail broking and I’m looking forward to being part of its ongoing success.”

His appointment is the third of a series of senior hires the business has made recently. Stuart Grieb joined from Willis Towers Watson earlier this year as a regional managing director, and Chris Haggart was promoted to a senior role having joined the business from Zurich in 2018.