Open GI replaces commercial director

Open GI business development director, David Kelly, is set to take on responsibility for the company’s insurer partnerships following an expansion of his board role.

The move follows Mark Ryder’s departure from the business this month, who was formerly Open GI commercial director.

Kelly’s new responsibilities include driving insurer product developments for both personal and commercial lines, particularly across Open Trader, Open GI’s new SME trading proposition.

Kelly was appointed to the role of business development director in November 2008. He was previously national sales manager for Open GI and has been with the company since July 2006. He said: “It’s great to be able to take on responsibility for such a dynamic area. Insurers see technology as a vital part of their distribution strategy and Open GI, with a 40% share of the broker market, is central to that. We work extremely closely with all of the UK and Ireland’s leading underwriters and I am looking forward to driving some major strategic projects forward.”

Chris Guillaume, managing director, Open GI, said: “Mark has done an excellent job of building our insurer partnerships throughout his career as Commercial Director for Open GI. It is important that these partnerships are maintained as we move forward and exploit new areas, particularly the electronic trading of commercial lines. David was a perfect fit for heading up the role. He has developed relationships with some of the UK’s largest brokers and high profile third party providers. It’s an exciting time for insurer development and I am pleased that Open GI is able to respond to market trends with solutions that ultimately help improve profitability.”

Mark Ryder, former commercial director, Open GI, added: “I am very proud to have been associated with the business for over a decade. It has experienced a great level of success throughout the period and some major changes to both product and corporate strategy. I am confident that this success will continue well into the future.”