JLT’s Thistle Insurance Appoints Williams as Managing Director, Robinson as COO

Thistle Insurance Services Limited, part of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc, the UK-based provider of insurance, reinsurance and employee benefits-related advice, brokerage and associated services, announced two key appointments to its executive board.

Paul Williams has been appointed managing director and Ian Robinson has been appointed chief operating officer, both subject to approval by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.

Before joining Thistle, Williams worked for the Brightside Group, the specialist personal lines, SME, and niche UK broker, where he has held the role of group chief executive officer since February 2014. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the UK insurance industry, having previously held senior roles at Towergate Partnership (2004-2014) and Hill House Hammond, part of Aviva (2002-2004). He also worked as commercial manager for Endsleigh Business Insurance Svs Ltd. (1993-2002) and as development underwriter for Royal Insurance (1989-1993).

Commenting on Williams’ appointment, Martin Hiller, chairman of Thistle, said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul to Thistle. He has extensive experience in the UK insurance industry that will be of great value to Thistle. His knowledge of specialist niches, MGAs and the digital landscape will be a great asset as we continue to grow the business.”

Williams said: “I am delighted to be joining Thistle during such an exciting time and I look forward to working with the executive team to ensure we deliver on the strategic priorities. I am attracted by the potential of Thistle, which has a track record of developing and distributing market-leading products and there is huge potential. I urge individuals and talented professionals in the niche MGA arena who would like to play a part in growing the business to get in touch.”

Williams will be supported in his role by Ian Robinson who will assume the role of chief operating officer. Robinson will report to Williams and will take executive board responsibility for the operational management of Thistle, ensuring that the board effectively delivers on its strategic and operational priorities. Robinson joins Thistle from JLT Asia where he has been chief operating officer since 2012. Prior to assuming the role in Asia, he was chief operating officer for JLT’s UK Employee Benefits business (2009-2012).

*Thistle Insurance Services Limited creates, distributes and manages non-brokered insurance products and facilities for niche or ‘privileged access’ segments of the consumer, SME business and not-for-profit sectors. It operates through both retail and wholesale channels and additionally as a managing general underwriter through Thistle Underwriting.

Source: Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc

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