Hood Group announces leadership reshuffle as chief executive steps down

Hood Group has announced a series of leadership changes, with Simon Hood stepping down as chief executive.

Hood, who has led the broker through sustained periods of transformation and innovation, is stepping down to take on the new position of non-executive director.

In turn, Gary Duggan has been appointed interim executive chairman. He will lead the business and brings extensive senior experience across the UK personal lines market, having previously served as chief executive at Tesco Insurance, managing director of junction at BGL and chief executive at Saga Insurance.

The broker is currently seeking a new full time chief executive.

Hood said: “It has been a privilege to lead Hood Group and to work with such a committed and talented team.

”I am proud of what we have built together and confident that the business is well placed for the future. In my new role as non-executive director, I look forward to supporting Duggan and the board as Hood Group moves into its next chapter.”

Duggan added: ”I look forward to working with the talented team at Hood Group to continue strengthening our proposition and building on the foundations that have been established over the past three decades.

”This is an exciting time for the business as we look to enhance our capabilities and support our partners with even greater agility and innovation.”

Other moves

Meanwhile, as part of the leadership transition, Hood Group has also appointed Paul Pestell as chief financial officer. He joins from Tempcover, where he served as CFO and played a key role in scaling the business ahead of its sale to RVU (Confused.com) in 2022.

And Andy Homer, the current non-executive chairman, will move to a non-executive director role with immediate effect.

The moves come after Hood Group completed a management buy out backed by private equity firm Connection Capital LLP, providing new funding to enhance insurance distribution and improve service for partners.

The firm said: “Hood Group remains committed to delivering high-quality insurance solutions for its partners and customers, supported by its continued investment in technology, data and service.”