Oval finance head Ian Story departs after Gallagher takeover

Oval finance director Ian Story has left the broker, Insurance Times can reveal.

He plans to take a break before “pursuing other commercial opportunities”.

His departure follows the purchase of Oval by acquisitive broking group Arthur J Gallagher in April.

Oval chief executive Peter Blanc now runs Gallagher’s UK retail operation, but Story has decided not to remain at the company.

Gallagher International chief financial officer Mark Mugge said: “Following the acquisition of Oval by Arthur J Gallagher, Ian Story has decided to step down from his role as finance director of the Oval Group, taking some time off before pursuing other commercial opportunities.

“Ian has made a great contribution to the success of Oval and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Story joined Oval as finance director in October 2011 following a four-year stint as rival broking group Bluefin’s finance director.

He spent the bulk of his career at GE Capital, General Electric’s finance division, in the US, which culminated in a role as finance director of GE Capital Bank.