Open GI chief executive to change roles after 11 years

Open GI’s chief executive, Chris Guillaume, is to take on a non-executive role at the firm’s main board after 11 years in the top job, as the firm embarks on the next stage of its growth.

Simon Badley will take over as new chief executive in July. He joins from software company Iress, where he was UK chief executive and was previously chief executive of private equity backed Avelo, which Iress acquired in 2013. Before joining Avelo, Bradley held senior leadership roles at Aviva across sales and marketing operations.

Guillaume said: “We have been fortunate to recruit such an experienced chief executive as Simon and believe that he will make a significant and immediate impact on the industry. It has been a pleasure seeing Open GI change and grow over the years for the benefit of our customers and staff and I’m convinced Simon will continue that momentum.”

Bradley said: “The insurance industry is changing rapidly and I believe Open GI is ideally placed to work in partnership with our highly valued customers to drive technological change and deliver sustainable competitive advantage.”

Open GI non-executive chairman Tim Robinson said Guillaume had led the business to an exceptionally strong position.

Ed Shuckburgh, of private equity backers Montagu, added: “Our business is in great shape to continue leading the technological wave of digital; data and real-time platforms that are emerging in the Insurance industry in the UK and Ireland. Chris and the board have carefully managed this succession planning to ensure a smooth transition for the mutual benefit of our customers and staff. We look forward to working with Simon and our talented executive team over the coming period.”