Director of Seventeen Group-owned MGA retires after more than 40 years in insurance

Seventeen Group-owned MGA Touchstone Underwriting has announced that director Stuart Burt will retire this year.

Burt, who has spent over 40 years working in insurance, has served as director at the MGA since it was founded in 2007. He has decided to step down from his role on 30 June 2025.

Before joining Touchstone, he worked as an account executive at Helm Insurance Brokers for eight years. Prior to this, he was a property underwriter at Legal and General.

Burt began his career in 1982 with General Accident, with him working as an underwriter.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” Burt said after deciding to retire.

“I’ve had the privilege to work alongside some of the brightest and most dedicated people in the business.

“Touchstone has grown into a trusted, specialist underwriting agency and I leave confident in its future under an exceptional team.”

Mike Patston, managing director at Touchstone, added: “Burt’s legacy at Touchstone is marked by passion, insight and a dedication to both our brokers and colleagues.

“We thank him sincerely for everything he has done and wish him every happiness in his well-earned retirement.”

New appointment

With Burt retiring, Touchstone has appointed Donna Barnes as head of operations.

Barnes joins from Jensten Group. She worked there for 24 years and was most recently director of operations and integration.

Patston said: “Barnes’ appointment marks a new chapter for Touchstone. Her strategic mindset, people-first approach and operational expertise will be invaluable as we continue to build on our strengths and prepare for future growth”.

Barnes added: “With a strong foundation already in place, I’m looking forward to contributing to the next chapter by building operational frameworks that enable scale, drive efficiency and support outstanding service delivery.

“Looking forward to collaborating with the team and helping take the business to its next stage of success.”