Brokers have lost a voice, but the IIB has lost its soul
The death of IIB director general Andrew Paddick caused shockwaves around the market.
Paddick, 58, had been the face of the IIB since he launched the institute in 1987, following a career spanning the broking sector. His loss will be a blow to the industry. Brokers have lost a voice, but the IIB has lost its soul.
Following his death, IIB director Barbara Bradshaw insisted that it was business as usual at the institute.
The board of directors is set to meet soon to discuss how it goes forward. In the meantime, in addition to her day-to-day management, Bradshaw will oversee the Institute’s political lobbying and member focused activities, continuing the work she had undertaken alongside Paddick for many years.
In addition, Ann Peel, head of technical services and former registrar of the Insurance Brokers Registration Council, will step up to drive the Institute’s activities in regulatory and technical areas and will be responsible for regulatory and technical insurance matters.
But what of its long term future? Bradshaw revealed that in the past Paddick had suggested that with the growing consolidation in the market, a new association could be created, with the IIB and British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) joining forces to act as one.
It will be vital that the IIB maintains its presence over the coming months. Paddick’s death is a huge blow and it will be a mammoth task to continue his legacy. A coming together with BIBA could end up becoming a real possibility.
However, according to IIB director Kedric Rhodes, it is all about the present and keeping the ship afloat. He said: “There is a lot of experience in the board and they are all very committed to it. It is really a matter of putting the best we can in to carrying on Andrew’s good work.”
