Cooper replaces interim chief operating officer Paul Burton

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Agricultural underwriting agency Rural Insurance has hired former Arthur J Gallagher executive Peter Cooper as its new chief operating officer.

He replaces interim chief operating officer Paul Burton. Burton will remain with Rural until March to work on several new initiatives and ensure a smooth handover.

Cooper was previously operations director within Gallagher Insurance Services, Gallagher’s personal lines and affinities division.

He joined Gallagher in April 2013 from Brightside, where he was head of operations.

Rural managing director Ian Barclay said: “The experience [Cooper] brings will be vital in ensuring our growth is accompanied by the continued development of a customer-focused operational team that delivers a first class trading experience for our brokers.”

“Having come from a broker background, Peter has significant insight into what great service looks like from the point of view of our trading partners, something which will be a tremendous asset to the business going forward.”

Cooper added: “I’m extremely excited about being part of such a talented and successful team.  Ian has an impressive vision for the business and has coupled this with a keen focus on cultivating a high performing culture, both of which attracted me to the role. 

“I’m relishing the opportunity to help build and grow the business in line with our plans and drive forward our focus on our customers and how they are able to do business with us.”

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