Oval resurrects broking managing director role for O’Connell

Oval has recruited a new head for its insurance broking business, more than one year after a similar role was axed in a cost-cutting exercise.

Patrick O’Connell (pictured), previously regional managing director for the south, will spearhead the insurance broking division as managing director and is joining Oval’s senior executive committee.

In June 2009, Oval made the managing director of insurance broking role redundant in an attempt to control its cost base during the financial crisis, leading to Howard Pepper’s exit from the business.

Group managing director Jeff Herdman took over the responsibilities and will continue to oversee the insurance broking and financial services businesses, led by O’Connell and Steven Mitchell, respectively.

Oval’s eastern divisional director, Peter Blanc, is also joining the board as executive director and will continue to be based at Oval’s offices in Feering, Essex.