Groupama has appointed former AXA regional manager Derek Findlayson to spearhead the insurer's push into the healthcare sector.

The insurer has begun a "fundamental review" of the distribution and customer servicing capabilities of Groupama Healthcare in an effort to boost its share of the corporate health sector.

Distribution and customer services director Amanda Blanc said: "Our research revealed there was room in the market for another provider. AXA PPP and Bupa control 60% or 70% of the market, so there is plenty for us to go at."

Private medical insurance (PMI) currently makes up one sixth of Groupama's book of business, but this would be "improved", she added.

Blanc said the company would be looking to differentiate on service. "Others have tried to differentiate on product and have not done well.

"The feedback we have is that the service [from other providers] is awful."

A new segmentation strategy will be rolled out in March. Blanc said the company would be looking to deal with "50 or 60" specialist corporate PMI brokers, which would be segmented into three areas - sole traders, bigger specialists and national brokers.

"We will then decide what each segment needs, such as electronic trading or relationship management."

Findlayson will join as head of partnership solutions in June.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.