Appoint, appointment, hand, handshake, shake, new, join

Markerstudy retail managing director Russell Bence, whose departure was announced yesterday, is to join broking group Brightside as managing director of volume lines.

Bence will start his new role in May.

Brightside executive chairman Mark Cliff said: “I was looking for an MD with broking in their blood, and Russell fitted the bill in every way. He will be responsible for private car, van and bike as well as having group responsibility for pricing, marketing and product development.”

He added: “Bence’s appointment means the Brightside senior management team is now at full strength, with a strong mix of both experience and flair, and executives from both a broking and insurer background.”

Bence said: “I am delighted to be joining Brightside at an exciting time for the business. Under Mark’s leadership, the Group is on the way back to being one of broking’s high performers.”