The executive shuffle of the broker’s retail arm will put the platform in ‘strong shape’, says group chief executive

The Ardonagh Group has promoted Ian Donaldson to the new role of chief executive of Ardonagh Retail, with Emma Rawlinson subsequently filling his shoes as Atlanta Group top boss.

Rawlinson has been chief financial officer (CFO) at Atlanta Group for nearly two years. Previously, she was CFO as well as business strategy and performance director at Swinton Group.

Prior to joining the broking sector, she held senior positions such as UK chief executive at technology firm In Touch Networks, CFO at regional private equity investor NorthEdge Capital and spent seven years at Deloitte.

Rawlinson will report to Donaldson in his new role.

Donaldson said: “Emma’s commitment to customers, colleagues and communities combined with her focused determination makes her the right person to lead Atlanta across the delivery of its three strategic objectives – organic growth, operational and M&A excellence.

“She leads a phenomenal team of individuals and a business [that] has emerged even stronger from the way we have had to pull together to support each other and our customers over the last 18 months. I could not be prouder to see her stepping into the chief executive role.

“There is a world of opportunity within Ardonagh and I’m delighted to be leading the continued evolution and expansion of the group’s retail business.”

Rawlinson added: “It is a privilege to become the leader of Atlanta. The strength of its brands, relationships, expertise, involvement in local communities and strong culture makes it an incredible business with a bright future.

“Our customers’ lives, needs and digital expectations have changed over the last 18 months and we have an abundance of opportunity to grow with today’s customers at the heart of our strategy.”

Donaldson, meanwhile, will lead on cross-group retail projects, including personal lines data initiatives as well as managing hosting, rating and distribution platform Atlanta Hub. He will also oversee Atlanta Group.

Ardonagh Group chief executive David Ross said: “Emma and Ian are exceptional leaders. With Emma at the helm of UK retail distribution and Ian leading the charge on connecting and deploying capabilities around the world, our retail platform is in strong shape.”

The appointments are subject to regulatory approval.