Steve Tidd has replaced Andy Haynes as chief executive of the holding company for Guardian Holdings Limited's (GHL) European businesses.

The appointment follows Andy Haynes' resignation as a result of illness.

Rory O'Brien, GHL group chief executive, said: “Steve's career within our group stretches back almost 20 years. He has successfully guided our European businesses forward over the past eight months, facing difficult market conditions and the need to restructure these businesses to create a solid platform for future growth. He has clearly demonstrated his readiness for this challenging role.”

Tidd will also continue as chief executive of Guardian's Gibraltar-based insurance companies — Link Insurance Company and Zenith Insurance Plc.

Tidd commented: “Our new European structure means we have the right people in place, both in our Gibraltar insurance companies and our UK marketing, distribution and service company, to maximise the peaks and troughs of the UK insurance cycle as well as expand our interests both at home and on the continent. I look forward to leading and supporting my team over the coming years as we build a strong European footprint for our parent.”