Fortis confirms Cliff appointment

Fortis UK has confirmed that Mark Cliff has been appointed in the new role of Managing Director of Fortis Insurance (FIL), directly reporting to Barry Smith, chief executive for Fortis UK, as revealed by Insurance Times yesterday.

Cliff will focus on optimising FIL’s position in the market as a leading manufacturer of customer-focused insurance solutions. Based at Fortis’ office in Eastleigh, he will join the company later this year and will lead the development of Fortis’ core competencies in underwriting and claims management, with a continued commitment to distributing via Fortis’ extensive broker network, intermediaries and affinity partners.

Barry Smith will continue as CEO for Fortis UK, working across all the Fortis UK companies, leading and developing the organisation’s strategy in the UK.

Mark joins Fortis from AXA Insurance, where he holds the position of Markets, Managing Director, with responsibility for all distribution channels, commercial branch operations, as well as customer service and marketing.

He had previous senior management roles at Royal and SunAlliance, and Royal Insurance.

Smith said: “I am delighted Mark has chosen to join Fortis. As part of our ongoing strategy, we are continually growing the business in the UK through our dedication to delivering unparalleled propositions for our clients and their customers. I am confident Mark will help through our next stage of development to build and grow the FIL business, as an integral part of the overall UK organisation. He will, I am sure, be a valuable asset to our senior management team and I look forward to welcoming Mark to the company later this year.”

Cliff added: “I am very excited to be taking up this new opportunity at such an important point in Fortis’ development. I look forward to being able to shape the business to achieve future growth.”