Reading-based broker rebrands and announces new chief executive

Academy Insurance Services has rebranded to BDH Group and appointed Gordon Crosbie as its new chief executive.

Upon taking up his new role, Crosbie will oversee a restructure of the group, with it being split into three operating segments following the rebrand.

This includes Premierline, which was acquired from Allianz in March 2024, AIB, which was acquired in October 2024 and BDH Insurance Broking.

Lancaster-based Premierline will distribute SME, AIB will write niche personal lines, including high net worth (HNW) and high performance and high value car, while BDH Insurance Broking will focus on corporate and large commercial business.

As part of the restructure, Simon Bennett, currently deputy managing director, will become commercial director. He will have responsibility for growing the business across all three segments.

Crosbie said: “We are now well-set to deliver organic growth across our three divisions. Presently we write a combination of 35% niche personal lines and 65% commercial, but in the medium-term we expect to see the balance move to a higher commercial balance as we grow our account executive proposition.

“We are also actively seeking inorganic growth in the broking division, where we believe we have a compelling offer for vendors looking to create value from their life’s work.

“We avoid a volume approach to acquisitions, preferring to offer vendors bespoke propositions which suit their personal circumstances, including nurturing and developing their people.”

He also said the group has ambitions to move into the MGA sector, as well as employee benefits.

“Our investor sees the strategic value of a portfolio business, our M&A offering is slightly different to many of the larger players, this seems to provide advisors with a good alternative option for their broking clients,” Crosbie added.

”In addition, we have a good pipeline of inorganic opportunities in these areas too.”

Experience

Crosbie began his broking career at the family business, Crosbie and Jack Insurance Brokers, working his way up to become chief executive.

He sold the business in 2009, with him then joining Towergate as regional managing director for north England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2011.

He then spent six years in a variety of senior positions at Ardonagh Advisory, including head of M&A in the north of the UK and on the executive board as UK integration director.

Brendan McCafferty, BDH Group chairman, said: “Crosbie is a hugely experienced individual, combining strategic nous with drive and determination.

“He is the right person to lead the business through the next phase of its journey and I am confident that, with Crosbie at the helm and ably supported by Bennett, BDH Group will be in a good position to deliver long-term value for our insurance partners, our customers, our people and our investor.”