Towergate commercial underwriting managing director Simon Read has left the company and is being tipped to join rival broker Gallagher, Insurance Times understands.

Read was set to take charge of a new Towergate Underwriting commercial e-trading proposition, due to go live this summer, as managing director of e-traded business.

Market speculation suggested Read could join Gallagher's managing general agency arm and that he is expected to be joined by one other senior director.

Towergate and Gallagher declined to comment.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.