’This is a clear statement of our commitment to the local market and quickly establishes us as the go-to partner for our brokers,’ says branch manager
Aviva has made four underwriting appointments after opening a new trading office in Cardiff.
The new hires include Gez Elmes, Harrison Carter, Sam Budge and Ieuan Ringwood – all four will be based at the new branch, which opened on 6 May 2025.
Elmes will take up the role of lead new business underwriter on 1 June and Carter is set to join on 26 May as a multi-class underwriter on existing business.
Budge, meanwhile, will start in July as a motor fleet underwriter on new business, while Ringwood will take up the position of regional assistant underwriter on 19 May.
Aviva is also currently recruiting for a team leader at the Cardiff office, which will bring the total number of underwriters in the branch to 18 once complete.
Speaking about the new hires, branch manager Lee Grainger said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be able to announce four talented underwriting hires for our new Cardiff office.
“Coming on the heels of the office opening for business on 6 May, this is a clear statement of our commitment to the local market and quickly establishes us as the go-to partner for our brokers in the Cardiff and South Wales region.
“These appointments will further accelerate our momentum in the region. We feel incredibly positive about the trading opportunities ahead of us.
“The passion, curiosity and drive from our brokers, people and underwriting candidates in and around Cardiff has shone through, which has felt incredibly special.”
Expanding presence
The new Cardiff office, which is based in Capital Tower, Greyfriars Road, has been opened as Aviva looks to expand its presence and coverage across South Wales.
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The insurer said it now has more than 60 underwriters in the South West and Wales region following the opening of its new office.
Greg Donald, senior sales and development manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to open an office in Cardiff, serving the South Wales region, supported by a strong team and a talented group of new hires.
“The Cardiff office is the result of a lot of work with our broking partners and it’s been great to be able to create new opportunities for the industry in South Wales that otherwise were not there.
“Over the coming weeks and months our visibility and engagement – across both underwriting and sales – will really underpin our customer-first values, bringing us closer to the heart of the community and the businesses that we and our broking partners serve.”
His career began in 2019, when he joined a local north London newspaper after graduating from the University of Sheffield with a first-class honours degree in journalism.
He took up the position of deputy news editor at Insurance Times in March 2023, before being promoted to his current role in May 2024.View full Profile
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