Crawford anti-fraud specialist in shock exit

Bobby Gracey, vice-president of global counter-fraud solutions at loss adjuster Crawford, will leave at the end of November to become CEO of another firm.

Gracey, also Crawford’s UK business development director, will take the helm of forensic fire investigation company International Fire Investigators & Consultants on 1 December.

Crawford has yet to name a replacement, and Insurance Times understands the departure was not expected.

“I have had nine fantastic years at Crawford. It has been an honour to lead their global fraud strategy,” Gracey told Insurance Times. “But this is a new chapter and a new opportunity with a dynamic organisation that is going places.”

He added that he will leave Crawford “on excellent terms” and that Crawford will become a customer of his new firm as a buyer of forensic fire investigation services.

“I have an opportunity to work in a deeper way with Crawford and provide them with the solutions they need,” he said.

Crawford’s UK client services director Richard Turner said in a statement: “Bobby will be leaving Crawford at the end of 2011 and will be working closely with the team to ensure a smooth handover. He has made a considerable contribution to the growth of our business and we would like to wish him well in the future.”