The biggest people moves this week

Starting off the week, Axa UK and Ireland appointed Sally Pain as its new chief communications, customer, brand and sustainability officer.

The role consolidates the insurer’s public relations, public affairs, internal communications, customer and brand functions and sustainability strategy.

• Axa UK and Ireland announces new c-suite appointment

Then, Gallagher Re hired Ben Wathan as its new chief claims officer.

In his new role, Wathan, who brings over 20 years of experience, will lead the broker’s global claims advocacy team.

• Gallagher makes new c-suite hire to boost claims function

Following this, construction MGA Phoenix Specialty appointed Andrew Charlton as its new managing director.

Charlton will succeed Tim James, who is taking up the position of chief executive at Phoenix Global, which oversees international partnerships operating in the construction and engineering sector.

• MGA announces leadership changes after receiving investment

After that, Tulip Siddiq resigned as city minister following pressure over an investigation in Bangledash.

Siddiq, whose aunt is the former prime minister of Bangledash, has denied any wrongdoing and referred herself to the standards adviser after questions were raised.

She has been replaced by Wycombe MP Emma Reynolds, who served as pensions minister prior to her new appointment.

• Insurance minister resigns just before scheduled appearance at Biba manifesto launch

This week also saw farming specialist Acres Insurance Brokers appoint Mark Cooper as its new managing director.

In his new role, Cooper will head up the day-to-day operation with the senior leadership team and work closely alongside founder and chief executive Nigel Wellings.

• Farming broker appoints ex-Marsh chief executive as managing director

Meanwhile, Howden appointed Francois-Xavier Boisseau as the new non-executive chairman of its UK and Ireland retail board.

Boisseau, who has more than 30 years of insurance industry experience, took up his new role at the start of January 2025, according to his LinkedIn page.

• Former Ageas chief executive joins Howden’s UK board

Rounding off the week, Commercial Express made a double swoop on insurer RSA to expand its team of underwriters.

The MGA said it had appointed Andy Jones as head of underwriting and Joanne Caton as underwriting manager.

• Senior underwriters leave RSA for new roles at Dudley-based commercial MGA