Duo set for major role at Lloyd's broker

Cooper Gay had announced that Keith Harris and John Whiter have agreed to join the board as non-executive directors.

Keith Harris is the executive chairman of Seymour Pierce, the London based investment bank and stockbroker. He is also a non-executive director of Halfords.

John Whiter was formerly a senior partner at accountants Neville Russell (now Mazars) and from 1994 to 2008 he was the group finance director, and later chief financial officer of Benfield Group. The appointments will take effect from 1 July 2009.

Cooper Gay chairman, Frank Witthun said: “I am delighted that Keith Harris and John Whiter have agreed to join the board of Cooper Gay. They bring tremendous independent experience and specialist expertise of investment banking and the international insurance and reinsurance markets which will be invaluable as Cooper Gay continues its growth strategy.”

Group chief executive Toby Esser added:: “Cooper Gay has a clear vision for growth which is underpinned by a strong and independent board of directors. I am particularly pleased that two senior figures with such excellent market reputations have agreed to join us for the next exciting phase of our development.”