The biggest people moves this week

Ecclesiastical this week confirmed the appointment of Andy Levens as its new northern regional underwriting manager. Levens joined from Allianz, where he most recently served as property and casualty manager after progressing through a range of underwriting roles since joining as a graduate.

In his new role, he will lead Ecclesiastical’s underwriting activity across the north, taking over from Andy Pearce, who will retire in April after 25 years at the insurer.

• Ecclesiastical hires Allianz manager as northern regional underwriting boss

Meanwhile, Konsileo appointed Howard Lickens as its new chair following his retirement from Clear Group in December 2025.

Lickens founded Clear Insurance Management in 2001 and later became its executive chair, leading its mergers and acquisitions programme and insurer relationships.

• Konsileo appoints Lickens as new chair following Clear Group departure

Elsewhere, the London and International Insurance Brokers’ Association (Liiba) appointed seven new directors to its board after adopting new Articles of Association designed to widen representation across its membership.

• London and International Insurance Brokers’ Association appoints seven directors

Howden also promoted Rachel Woodward to the newly created role of director of sponsorships.

Woodward will lead the broker’s global sponsorship team and develop a long-term strategy to 2030, overseeing partnerships spanning multiple sports and events, including the Howden British and Irish Lions Women’s Tour to New Zealand in 2027.

• Howden appoints new director of sponsorships

Finally, the Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) announced seven new board members as part of a wider 2026 agenda focused on expanding member value and strengthening delegated underwriting’s voice.

Three elected directors joined the board – Gary Head, Tim Smyth and Laura Hancock – alongside four appointed directors, Callum Alexander, Michelle Taylor, Lyndsey Thompson and Marco del Carlo.

• MGAA unveils 2026 agenda as seven new members join board