UK General nabs Groupama director

UK General, the Leeds-based specialist Insurer, has appointed Cathie Bruce into a newly-created position of commercial managing director, reporting to MD Michael Warren.

Bruce, who is currently strategic development director at GUK Broking Services, Groupama’s UK broking subsidiary, will take up her new role in December.

Warren said: “We are delighted that Cathie is joining the team, where she will oversee our growth plans in the commercial insurance market.

“Cathie will be responsible for the end-to-end commercial business including the teams in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the underwriting team in Leeds. Her objectives will include delivering new products to market, further improving our relationships with insurers and brokers, and creating profitable growth.”

He added: “She is a highly talented and respected individual in the insurance sector, with experience of working for insurance companies and brokers, and the arrival of an executive of her calibre is another key step in UK General’s journey to make the most of our unique model and build the value of the business for our investors.”

Commenting on her new role, Bruce said: “I have spent seven fantastic years at Groupama, and I now feel ready for a fresh challenge. I was excited by Michael and Howard Posner’s [UK General’s executive chairman] future plans for UK General.”

She said: “Since the merger in 2009, Michael and the management team have completely reshaped the business and, while it’s still a tough market, UK General is well-positioned to capitalise during the next phase.”

She said her immediate focus will be on getting to know her new team and UK General’s suppliers and clients, as well as getting out on the road to meet brokers.

François-Xavier Boisseau, chief executive for Groupama’s UK operations, said: “We are really grateful to Cathie for her very valuable support over the years that she has been with Groupama. Whilst we are sorry that she will shortly be leaving us, we recognise that this is for an exciting new opportunity at UK General and we wish her every success in her new role.”