’I’m going to enjoy watching from the sidelines, like an over-proud parent whose child has already exceeded their achievements,’ says departing boss
Ignite Insurance System founder and chief executive Toby MacLachlan has departed the business after nearly a decade in charge.
MacLachlan founded the firm in 2011 as broker Wanna Insure, although rebranded and relaunched the business as Ignite in 2015.
The relaunch saw Ignite establish itself as a business that licenses systems to insurance brokers, MGAs and underwriters.
It was acquired by Verisk’s Sequel in 2021, with the move expanding its technology platform.
Statement
In a LinkedIn post confirming his departure from the business on 26 April 2025, MacLachlan said: “I’ve decided to hang up my Ignite boots. Yesterday was my last day with the marvellous basket of good eggs at Ignite.
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“15 years ago, I made the curious decision to start a software house – and the even more curious decision of calling it Wanna Insure.
“It’s been a fantastic journey with all the proverbial ups and downs – many, many kind people, a few total wotnots, some lovely brokers taking a chance on new software, maxing out my credit card to buy servers, burglary (victim of), selling the business, learning the realities of corporate life, low-level cyber crime (victim again) and a super treasure hunt to finish it all off.
“Ignite is in fantastically capable hands. I’m going to enjoy watching from the sidelines, like an over-proud parent whose child has already exceeded their achievements.”
His next career move has not been confirmed, although he said he would be “taking a few months off to do some woodturning and other wholesome things” before making his next move.
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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