Ignite chief executive departs after nearly a decade at the helm

Ignite Insurance System founder and chief executive Toby MacLachlan has departed the business after nearly a decade in charge.

MacLachlan founded the firm in 2011 as broker Wanna Insure, although rebranded and relaunched the business as Ignite in 2015.

The relaunch saw Ignite establish itself as a business that licenses systems to insurance brokers, MGAs and underwriters.

It was acquired by Verisk’s Sequel in 2021, with the move expanding its technology platform.

Statement

In a LinkedIn post confirming his departure from the business on 26 April 2025, MacLachlan said: “I’ve decided to hang up my Ignite boots. Yesterday was my last day with the marvellous basket of good eggs at Ignite.

“15 years ago, I made the curious decision to start a software house – and the even more curious decision of calling it Wanna Insure.

“It’s been a fantastic journey with all the proverbial ups and downs – many, many kind people, a few total wotnots, some lovely brokers taking a chance on new software, maxing out my credit card to buy servers, burglary (victim of), selling the business, learning the realities of corporate life, low-level cyber crime (victim again) and a super treasure hunt to finish it all off.

“Ignite is in fantastically capable hands. I’m going to enjoy watching from the sidelines, like an over-proud parent whose child has already exceeded their achievements.”

His next career move has not been confirmed, although he said he would be “taking a few months off to do some woodturning and other wholesome things” before making his next move.