Cullum consolidator GRP swoops on Zurich for new Higos chief

Peter Cullum’s consolidator GRP today revealed that recently acquired broker Higos has appointed Matthew Hartigan as its new managing director.

Formerly regional head at Zurich, Hartigan will begin his new job at the end of June, replacing the interim managing director, Neil Thornton.

Thornton had been in charge since Ian Gosden retired earlier this year.

Mike Bruce, GRP’s chief executive, broking, said: “Matthew brings with him 26 years in underwriting, broking, sales and branch leadership, and his thorough understanding of the UK insurance market makes him the right choice to lead Higos successfully through the next stage of its journey.”

Hartigan career

Hartigan has been at Zurich since 2005 and was promoted to head of broker market for Wales and South-West England two years later.

He then held various management roles between 2011 and 2017 before being promoted to head of Regional Market for the Midlands, Wales and the South West earlier this year.

Hartigan said: “Higos is the jewel in the crown for insurance broking in the South West, and I am proud and excited by the opportunity to build on the recent progress made by Neil and the management team in order to cement its position as the dominant player in this part of the world.

“Higos is a prime example of how brokers can thrive and prosper as part of a bigger group in GRP, yet retain their independent identity.

”My mandate is to grow Higos by building a strategic partnership with our insurers that deliver value for our insurer partners, our clients and our parent company.”