Peter Blanc named CEO of combined Aston Scott and Lark group

Peter Blanc has been named chief executive and Stephen Lark has become executive chairman of the combined Aston Scott and Lark group.

Blanc was chief executive of Aston Scott and Lark was managing director of Lark Group before the two brokers merged.

The new group has also revealed that Stephen’s cousin Graham Lark, chairman of Lark Group, will cease to have day-to-day involvement with the business but will become a non-executive director of the group.

The two brokers announced they were merging in June this year, and the deal completed yesterday following receipt of FCA approval.

Following the completion of the merger, the new group has also unveiled the rest of its management structure and a new divisional structure.

Aston Scott managing director Stuart Rootham will become group managing director with responsibility for commercial and private clients and in addition will lead the group compliance function.

Lark’s director of finance, IT and facilities Carl Brown will become group chief financial officer.

Aston Scott chief financial officer Tim Holland will become director of mergers and acquisitions, and will lead the internal integration project team.

New structure

In addition to the new management positions, the new group has also restructured around four divisions: commercial, commercial schemes, private clients and employee benefits.

• Commercial will be led by Rob Keane. It will include the group’s 15-strong regional branch network as well as specialist functions such as new business, commercial claims, risk management and SME.
• Commercial schemes will be led by Lee Scott. It will focus on the continued growth and development of existing and new commercial schemes, which already account for £30m of gross written premium.
• Private clients will he headed by David Foster. It will continue to focus on high net worth business and will include specialist areas such as Lark Music, Click 4 Quote and Renovation Plan.
• Employee benefits will be led by Andrew Cousins and will continue to provide solutions such as pension, life, private medical and income protection to SME and corporate employers.

Blanc said: “I am delighted to announce our appointments and new group structure. We are fully committed to creating a true merger of both businesses and implementation of this new structure is a great first step.

“The vision of the board of the new integrated business is that we aim to become the UK’S most trusted chartered insurance broker, delivering for our clients with passion, integrity and expertise.”