AXA Commercial Lines and Personal Intermediary is to further enhance its regional broker proposition with some operationally significant improvements to its branch network designed to deliver a speedy turnaround on deals.
The changes will see current Reading branch manager, Ed Pugh, move into a newly-created national role of Head of New Deals which will focus on ensuring that deals with brokers around the country are delivered more promptly and efficiently.
As a result of Ed’s move, current London branch manager Linda Courtney will return to head up the Reading branch, a role she held for a number of years before being drafted in to facilitate the merger of the three business units which now constitute the London branch.
Linda will be replaced in London by current Ipswich branch manager Martyn Grime. Martyn has spent 30 years working for AXA Commercial Lines, 20 of which have been in branch management roles including several years in the South of England. He is a well known face to many London based brokers.
Sean Clark will be taking over from Martyn as Ipswich branch manager. Sean has spent the past two years as Sales Manager in the branch.
As part of the wider changes, Simon Hodgins has decided to leave the company after 24 years of service. His dedication and commitment to AXA during this period is greatly appreciated and the business wishes him all the best for the future. Anne Harrison, current Head of Strategic Relationships, will become branch manager in Manchester. She has previously worked in the Manchester market with AXA as Area Business Manager (North West), from June 2002 to Dec 2004.
Commenting on the changes, Matthew Reed, Managing Director of Commercial Intermediary, said: “There is tremendous depth of talent in our team and the enhancements to our branch network announced today demonstrate our commitment to identifying and promoting that talent.
“These moves allow us to better service our brokers around the country without sacrificing the continuity that we all know brokers need from insurers. Linda, Anne, Martyn and Sean are well known in the Reading, Manchester, London and Ipswich markets respectively and I’m sure that they will continue to build on the great work done by their predecessors.
Mr Reed added: “I am delighted that Ed has accepted his new role which will help us deliver on the promises we are making to our brokers. Insurers are often guilty of agreeing a deal without following up properly and Ed’s new role will ensure that AXA does not fall into the same trap. The amount of new business we are receiving from brokers means that we need an individual who is dedicated to ensuring that all opportunities are properly followed through and concluded allowing the branches to focus on servicing brokers’ needs and developing existing accounts.”
“All of our branches have built up strong relationships with their local brokers and we are now in a great position to consolidate those relationships further.”
