Aon-owned broker Footman James’s managing director Paul Matthews has resigned, Insurance Times has learnt.

Matthews, who spent six-and-a-half years as boss of the classic car broker, is currently on gardening leave while he pursues other opportunities.

An Aon spokesman said the company had begun a search for his replacement.

Aon snapped up Footman James in January 2007 from Alchemy Partners in a deal estimated to be worth up to £80m.

It has an annual premium income of more than £40m per year and insures around 140,000 vehicles.

Aon absorbed the business into its personal lines operation but still trades under the Footman James brand.