Senior Insurance executive Mark Cliff has been appointed chairman of Avid Insurance Services Ltd [Avid]. Cliff takes up his role, which has been approved by the FCA, with immediate effect.
Avid, an MGA which is majority owned by Beech Tree Private Equity, specialises in social housing, council leasehold markets and travel.
Avid founder and MD Stephen Gibson, said: 'I am extremely pleased to welcome Mark as Avid Chairman. His wide-ranging experience will be an invaluable asset to Avid as we move forward with our exciting plans for growth in our existing markets and in new sectors and products.
"Mark will help steer our strategy and assist our business development, including inorganic growth, where we have made no secret of our desire to acquire businesses and specialist underwriting teams, where they make strategic sense."
Gibson said that despite challenging market conditions the business has been resilient through the Covid crisis, and was well placed to pick up growth again as the UK economy recovers. "We continue to enjoy strong backing from insurer partners, a robust technology platform and a clear-sighted view of the growth opportunities that are arising as the market reacts to the pandemic."
Mark Cliff said: "Avid is one of the most exciting prospects in the MGA sector. Steve and John (Inwood), commercial director, are highly regarded, experienced operators. They have built a genuine thoroughbred and I am confident it will deliver success for its clients, insurer partners and investors."
About Mark Cliff
Mark Cliff has a broad portfolio of NEDs, including Be Wiser, and Evolution Claims Management, as well as a number of advisory roles for insurtechs, including microservices technology business Iotatech. Previously he was Executive Chairman and CEO of Brightside Group, which he joined in 2015.
Prior to Brightside, Mark was Chief Executive of retail and distribution at Ageas Insurance Ltd, where he was responsible for all Ageas UK's broker distribution and affinity relationships, as well as Ageas's Kwik Fit Financial Services, Ageas Insurance Solutions, RIAS and Castle Cover.
Mark has also worked at AXA Insurance, where he held the position of Markets, Managing Director, and was responsible for all distribution channels, commercial branch operations, as well as customer service and marketing.
In his early career, Mark worked at RSA in a variety of roles for 15 years. Mark is also Deputy Chairman of BIBA's Large Broker Advisory Board and a former Vice President of the CII.
About Avid
Avid Insurance is an established general insurance Intermediary and managing general agent. It holds both Lloyd's cover holder and broker status placing a wide variety of personal lines and commercial products into the market.
Avid specialises in the social housing sector, travel and associated insurance and property insurance, together with niche insurance schemes and products.
With its range of Insurer partners, Avid Insurance will be able to produce a bespoke insurance solution to meet clients' specific needs together with ongoing product and management support.
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