Ex-AXA Insurance boss appointed new Brightside chief executive

Ex-AXA Insurance boss Brendan McCafferty has been appointed as the new chief executive of Brightside Group.

He takes up his new position at the Bristol-based broker on Monday, 6 August subject to regulatory approval.

McCafferty was chief executive of AXA Insurance between 2017-2018 and was also the founding chief executive of Flood Re between 2014-2017.

Former chief executive Mark Cliff is stepping back to become non-executive chairman.

Brendan said: “I am absolutely delighted to be the new Brightside CEO. It is an exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to leading the business through the next stage of its journey.” 

“While the market is challenging in personal lines broking, Brightside’s commitment to digital insurance is key to becoming a leading market player in the future, and I believe we have a very strong platform to deliver further growth.”

“Furthermore, we have a dedicated, professional and hardworking team in Bristol, Chandler’s Ford and Torquay, and I am confident that together we can build on the achievements to date and accelerate our strategy, where we have some exciting opportunities lined up, including the launch of our MGA Kitsune later this year.”

Peter Cartwright, Head of Private Equity at Anacap Financial Partners, the adviser to funds that own Brightside Group, said: “Brendan is a proven executive within the industry and brings the experience and track record to build upon the continued growth at Brightside.”

He added: “He shares our vision for the ongoing digital development of the business and I’m confident he will bring a new dynamism to the team.”