Stuart Reid appointed sole chief exec of AXA-owned broker

Paul Meehan and Chris Blackham, joint CEOs of AXA-owned Venture Preference (VP), are leaving the company.

Stuart Reid has been appointed sole chief executive of VP with immediate effect.

In a statement the company said: "Both Chris Blackham and Paul Meehan have played a significant part in the formative stages of the company having previously built Layton Blackham and Smart & Cook into strong businesses.

“We are at an exciting stage in the development of VP and I am committed to continuing to build this business.

Stuart Reid, chief executive, Venture Preference

"Under Stuart’s leadership, VP will continue its strategy to build the company into a leading independent insurance brokerage through continued growth and expansion of the business."

Reid added: “I would like to thank Chris and Paul for the contribution they have made to the business and wish them the best for the future. We are at an exciting stage in the development of VP and I am committed to continuing to build this business.”