The appointee has been assisting the business and wider Van Ameyde Group with M&A transactions for around a decade
Loss adjustor firm Woodgate and Clark – part of Van Ameyde UK Holding – has appointed James Eveling as its new managing director, according to a statement released today (5 June 2023).
Eveling joined Woodgate and Clark in January 2023 in the role of corporate governance and compliance director as part of Van Ameyde’s succession plan for its UK businesses.
The new hire has worked with the Van Amedyde Group in the UK and Europe for over 15 years.
During that time, Eveling handled the group’s acquisition of Woodgate and Clark – announced in September 2015.
He then oversaw Van Ameyde’s buy of marine consultancy McAusland and Turner in April 2015, which joined Woodgate and Clark in the firm’s UK operations.
Eveling also advised on Woodgate and Clark’s purchase of Quadra Claims Services and Spotlite Claims in January 2021 and March 2022, while serving as corporate lawyer and partner at legal and professional services Knights.
“I am delighted to take up this position at such an important time in the development and growth of Woodgate and Clark in the UK”, he said.
“The business has grown substantially over the last few years and – following both organic growth and the acquisitions of Quadra and Spotlite – is now almost three times the size it was when Van Ameyde bought Woodgate & Clark in 2015.”
Strategic focus
Eveling succeeded Phil Scarrett, who decided to retire after spending 44 years in the insurance sector.
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Scarrett will remain with the business as a full-time director until the end of 2023, with the aim of ensuring a smooth transition.
After stepping into his new role, Eveling said that Woodgate and Clark wanted to build a new claims management system as part of its growth strategy, which would include the introduction of new technology such as artificial intelligence.
“Leading a business of our size in 2023 and beyond does now mean more than just delivering the core service,” he said.
“I’d like to see us on the front foot with some of these big themes as we try to deliver some meaningful and positive change – this includes a focus on diversity and inclusion, which will be a key driver as we recruit, train, coach and develop the loss adjusters and claims technicians of the future, along with all other professional colleagues.
“We will also strive to make more progress towards being a more responsible business, committed to the delivery of our ESG [environmental, social and corporate governance] proposition and mindful of the objectives and policies of our clients.”
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