Broker approaches caravan team as it looks to grow MGA

Arthur J Gallagher has swooped for a 10-strong team from JLT-owned Thistle as it looks to grow its managing general agent, Insurance Times understands.

The team, headed by managing director Gareth Birch, runs a successful scheme for caravan park owners.

The business, Compass Insurance, insures park owners themselves and underwrites policies for caravan owners which can be sold by the park or bought directly. The scheme was designed with the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.

It is understood that a number of senior people in the team have handed JLT their notice.

Gallagher has made no secret of its plans to buy underwriting businesses or approach teams of underwriters.

Last month it hired RSA UK and Western Europe chief executive Adrian Brown to head up its underwriting and personal lines business. Brown will join Gallagher when the insurer has appointed a replacement.

At the time, Gallagher International chief executive David Ross described the underwriting business as “one of the most underdeveloped and highest potential areas we’ve got.”

Thistle’s chief underwriting officer Paul Drake joined broker Bluefin today as head of underwriting for its own MGA.

Gallagher was unavailable to comment at the time of publication.

A JLT spokesman said: “As a matter of principle JLT never comments on personnel matters.”