Changes on British Insurance Brokers' Association's Board

LONDON, England, May 8 -- The British Insurance Brokers' Association issued the following news release on May 7, 2024:

Main board changes have been announced today by the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA).

The BIBA members that sit on the main Board serve an initial period of three years as Chair of one of the Advisory Boards, feeding into the Board insight and opinion from a broad representation of brokers.

On 7 May BIBA was delighted that Edward Castles, Managing Director of WTW accepted the role of Chair of its International and Wholesale Brokers' Advisory Board (IWBAB) and takes a seat on the main BIBA Board. He takes the place of Ryan Bond of Marsh who has completed his tenure and steps down.

On the same day, Karen Weir, MD of Weir Insurance Brokers in Northumberland, already a main Board member, became Chair of BIBA's SME Brokers' Advisory Board (SMEBAB) expanding her Board responsibilities. At the same time, Shona Robertson, a partner in H&R Insurance based in Scotland, was appointed Deputy Chair of SMEBAB and joins the main BIBA Board to continue the wider representation of smaller brokers in BIBA's governance structure.

Graeme Trudgill BIBA CEO says: "It is fantastic to have someone of Eddy's stature on our main Board he will bring a global view and a wealth of experience that is more than welcome. Having Karen lead SMEBAB backed by Shona gives a UK-wide feel to that Advisory Board and a strong voice for smaller brokers. They both have a long history with BIBA and run successful businesses and will add much to our Board."

A change in main board structure

Paul Dickson, CEO of Innovation Brokers has stepped down from SMEBAB after reaching the end of his tenure but remains on the main Board as Chair of BIBA's Financial Committee (Fincom).

BIBA Chair, Jonathan Evans adds: "BIBA is incredibly grateful for all the work, time, and commitment that our broker main Board and Advisory Board members put into their roles. This is no small matter for them, but their insight engagement and expertise make a huge difference to us and to our members.

"We have looked at some of our articles of association to ease some of that burden through fewer meetings and also to allow for the position of Chair of Fincom to be a main Board member in its own right. I am delighted that the main Board has agreed to a special resolution making these changes and that they recognise the benefits they will bring."

Voice of members

BIBA works for members and is run by members through this governance structure.

Speaking of her expanded role Weir says: "I'm passionate about local insurance broking and the good smaller brokers can do in their environment. I am determined to ensure smaller brokers opinions count and will look for the whole of SMEBAB to seek out smaller broker issues and bring them to the table."

Robertson adds: "It is vitally important that customers have choice, and having smaller brokers that build excellent relationships with customers can really make a difference. I'm proud to take this role and continue to work closely with BIBA."

Castles explains: "It is essential for any trade body to really represent its members regardless of their size or specialty. BIBA's structure really enables this. I am honoured to be part of the decision making of this organisation and am looking forward to working with the BIBA Board and the BIBA team."

Dickson concludes: "Working with BIBA is a fantastic way to give back to our sector. Yes, it can be a lot of work, but all of the various Advisory and main Board members know it's worthwhile. I'm looking forward to working with the team and welcoming the new Board members I'd like to thank the Board for agreeing to some changes that allow me to continue to be a part of this."

Advisory Boards

There have also been other changes to BIBA Advisory Board members.

* Katie Freemantle, MD of FSB Insurance Services joins SMEBAB.

* Holly Shepherd, MD of Shepherd Global becomes IWBAB Deputy Chair and Jason Mills, MD of Marsh Specialty UK joins this Advisory Board.

* James Allotey, Business Development Manager at WTW joins the Networks and MGA' Advisory Board and Catherine Bell, Chair of magenta insurance moves up to become Deputy Chair.

* Alistair Fraser, CEO Commercial & Corporate UK Marsh, Julie Gibbons, MD Abbey Autoline; John Warbuton, CEO Konsileo; Phil Williams, Group COO, The Clear Group all join the Larger Brokers' Advisory Board and Peter Blanc, Group Head M&A Howden Group rejoins this Advisory Board.

* Jo Stevens, Account Executive Perry Appleton and Eddie Ferraro, Director Langton London Insurance Brokers join the Insurance Brokers' Standards Committee.

BIBA's Main Board Members

Jonathan Evans; Non Exec Chair

Jane Kielty Deputy Chair

Caroline Barr; Non Exec Director

Graeme Trudgill; BIBA CEO

David Sparkes; BIBA Regulation Director

Emma Chapman; BIBA Conference Director

John Batty; Bridge Insurance Brokers

Eddy Castles; WTW

Paul Dickson; Innovation Broking

Carl Evans; Griffiths & Armour

Shona Robertson; H&R Insurance

Chris Rolland; AllClear

Karen Weir; Weir Insurance Brokers

Read about BIBA's Governance Structure here https://www.biba.org.uk/about/governance/

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Original text here: https://www.biba.org.uk/press-releases/board-changes/