Ex-Aviva COO among multiple hires at insurtech

Insurtech Genasys has appointed Hugh Hessing and Gavin Routledge as non-executive directors.

Hessing currently runs his own advisory business, supporting startups and scaleups delivering new technology to the insurance industry.

Meanwhile, Routledge is a former board member at Genasys and currently serves as chairman at Clientele.

Genasys felt both appointees would strengthen the cloud-based software provider’s board as it enters its next phase of expansion. 

Andre Symes, chief executive at Genasys, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Hessing and Routledge to the Genasys board.

“Hessing’s operational experience at the very highest levels of UK insurance, combined with his passion for technology-led transformation, makes him an invaluable addition. Routledge’s strategic acumen and long-standing involvement in the insurance investment landscape bring a perspective that will be instrumental as we scale.

“These appointments reflect our ambition and our confidence in the path ahead.”

Industry veterans

Hessing spent 14 years at Aviva in several senior executive roles, including UK claims director and chief executive for Ireland.

His most recent corporate position was UK chief operating officer, with responsibility for data, operations, IT, CISO and first-line governance. He also served as group chief operating officer at Aviva-owned Direct Line Group.

Hessing said: “Having spent my career working with and around legacy insurance technology, I know first hand how much the industry needs modern, flexible alternatives.

”Genasys has built something genuinely different and I am delighted to be joining the board at such an exciting time. The platform’s ability to deliver rapid product launches and streamlined operations is exactly what the mid-market has been waiting for.”

Meanwhile, Routledge cofounded Yellowwoods International in 1995. 

Since then, he has managed strategic investments across the group including in Clientele Life Assurance.

Routledge added: “I have watched Genasys’s evolution closely over a number of years and have been consistently impressed by the calibre of the team and the trajectory of the business.

”The insurance industry globally is at an inflection point, and Genasys is exceptionally well positioned to capture significant market share. I am pleased to be joining the board and contributing to the next chapter of the company’s growth.”