MGA strategy strong despite Ernoult’s departure, says Giles

Former Oxygen, Heath Lambert and Marsh director Tom Ernoult is leaving Giles Insurance Brokers six months after joining the company.

Ernoult became director of underwriting services at Giles in March to help grow the broker’s managing general agency (MGA) business, Ink Underwriting. At the same time, the consolidator created new roles for directors Howard Pearson and Mark Addis as retail managing director and wholesaling managing director respectively.

Sources close to the company said Ernoult’s appointment was always short-term and that no further departures were planned.

A Giles spokesman said Ernoult’s role would be shared between teams led by trading director Andrew Watson and underwriting director Martin Madden.

Addis told Insurance Times: “Tom’s involvement was always seen as a key stepping stone for us, and we thank him for his contribution. Ink has performed well over the current year and we remain excited by the growth opportunities within the market.”

Shortly after Ernoult’s appointment, chief executive Chris Giles revealed ambitious plans to rebrand and extend Ink, with a target for gross written premium of £300m in three years.

The spokesman added: “Giles remains committed to its successful MGA strategy.”

Ernoult joined Giles less than a year after becoming managing director of Oxygen Insurance Brokers. He previously worked for Heath Lambert National and Marsh.

Sources have tipped him for a quick return to the broker market.