The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has made some changes to its Main Board.
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 in insight and opinion from a broad representation of brokers to help shape the Association’s direction.
Having completed their tenure, the following brokers will step down. Karen Weir of Weir Insurance Brokers leaves the SME Brokers Advisory Board (SMEBAB) with her deputy Shona Robertson of H&R Insurance stepping into the role. Chris Rolland of AllClear (InsurEvo Group) leaves the Networks and Managing Agents Advisory Board (NetMGAAB) and Andy Tedstone of Cobra Networks becomes its Chair. Jane Kielty of Aon completes her time on the Insurance Brokers’ Standards Committee, leaving Stuart Hulbert of Brents Insurance to take the Chair role. Finally, Paul Dickson ends six years leading the BIBA Finance Committee (FinCom), handing the reins to Adam Wenn of Lockton.
Grateful to members
Graeme Trudgill BIBA CEO says: “At BIBA we are privileged that our members are so invested in the organisation and I am always incredibly grateful for the time and effort so many of them commit to help shape our work. My thanks to Karen, Chris, Jane and Paul for their valued guidance and support over the last few years. BIBA’s Advisory Board governance works for the benefit of all members with those varied committees speaking for all the different brokers and intermediaries in membership.”
In thier own words
Speaking of his appointment to Chair of BIBA’s NetMGAAB, Andy Tedstone, CEO Cobra Networks comments: “I am incredibly proud and honoured to have been invited to join the main board of BIBA and to chair one of its advisory boards. Having spent over 30 years in the insurance broking market, my career has given me the privilege of working across the full breadth of our industry – from small, family run businesses, through large regional brokers, to a global broking environment. Each experience has shaped my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the vital role brokers play in supporting clients and communities.
“To now have the opportunity to give back to an industry is both humbling and deeply rewarding. I look forward to working with Graeme and the wider BIBA team and to contributing to BIBAs important work, supporting its members and helping to shape the future of our sector.”
On leaving the Board, Chris Rolland, Group CEO InsureEvo Group adds: It’s been a genuine privilege and honour to share the past six years working with BIBA, chairing the NetMGAAB and serving on the main board with an excellent professional team. BIBA’s role in representing and supporting the UK broking community is more important than ever, and I’ve valued the opportunity to play a small part in that. I’m extremely pleased that Andy Tedstone is stepping into the Advisory Board Chair role. He brings a wealth of experience on many levels and a clear understanding of the market – I’ve no doubt he will make a real impact.”
“I’ll continue to be fully engaged in the sector, and I look forward to staying closely connected with BIBA, the team and the wider market.”
Stuart Hulbert Joint MD Brents Insurance, on becoming IBSC Chair says: “Having served on the IBSC for the past 6 years I am honoured to take on the role of its Chair. Though Jane is a very hard act to follow, I look forward to working closely with members and colleagues to continue to develop the Good Practice guide so that it evolves and responds to changing insurance market practices.
“Taking a seat on the main Board is an opportunity to help shape the positive future of insurance broking – something about which I am really passionate.”
Adam Wenn, International Chief of Staff and Partner at Lockton, comments about his forthcoming Chair role:
“It’s an honour to take on the responsibility of stepping into the role of Chair of FinCom, alongside my appointment to the BIBA Board, following six rewarding years as part of the Finance Committee. I am excited to deepen my involvement with BIBA and look forward to working with the rest of the Board.”.
“BIBA is a fantastic association whose advocacy for brokers and the wider insurance industry is indispensable. Its role as the sector’s voice to government, regulators, and key stakeholders is integral to shaping policy and protecting members’ interests.
“I would like to thank Paul Dickson for his excellent leadership as Chair of the committee throughout his tenure and for providing me with a strong introduction to BIBA. I would also like to thank Graeme Trudgill, for his unparalleled energy and commitment to the work BIBA undertakes.”
Paul Dickson, Broker Consultant says: “It was a special privilege to head up BIBA’s Finance Committee for the last 6 years and to work with the other Fincom members and the outstanding BIBA finance and leadership team. The commit has overseen a financially strong and successful few years during which there have been challenges from Covid-19, market consolidation and economic uncertainties.”
Speaking of her role on SMEBAB Karen Weir, MD Weir Insurance adds: “I joined the BIBA board in May 2020, right at the outset of the pandemic, and my very first board meeting was held entirely on Teams. It has been a real privilege to represent SME brokers at the Main BIBA board during such a period of change, where we navigated COVID, business interruption claims, hard and soft markets, rising cyber risks, and shifts in Government.
“Some of my highlights are the moments spent together in person, whether at BIBA’s office, at the House of Commons for Manifesto launches, or engaging directly with policymakers in HM Treasury to champion the need for proportionate regulation.
“My thanks go to Graeme and the whole team for welcoming another Geordie as one of their own. I’m confident that Shona will more than fill my shoes and continue to be a strong voice for SME brokers across the UK.”
Shona Robertson, Partner H&R Insurance concludes: Karen leaves big boots to fill, but I am delighted to be heading up the BIBA SME Broker Advisory Board, representing the grass roots of BIBA membership. My focus will be on strengthening engagement, addressing the challenges facing SME brokers, and ensuring that member perspectives are at the heart of BIBA’s strategic direction.
Find out more about BIBA’s Governance here.
