Sid gives his latest verdict on the industry’s movers, shakers and rumour-makers
I’m rather suffering with a cough at the moment. My private jet only just managed to get me to Madrid, and by the time my driver had brought me back to Mayfair I think some of that pesky ash had gotten into my throat. It’s amazing how the TV pundits and vox populis berate the insurance industry about Acts of God, which is a spurious point at best. And you can guess who will be begging at No 10 after this, as they were after the 9/11 tragedy – the airlines, not the insurance industry. So where are our spokesmen – our champions of insurance? Hiding up some volcano, I’ll bet.
Meanwhile, I’m growing in admiration for Joe ‘Mr Piano’ Henderson, who doesn’t take any s***, has no leverage as far as I can see, and who continues to attract a motley crew to join him, including the ex-Oxygen team and Gordon ‘Flash’ Brain from Bluffin [sic – ed]. Good for you Joe. As matchmaker, I believe you and Chris Giles could take on the fuddy duddies at Oval and Towergate.
What a surprise that Sean Quinn did not make the Sunday Times Rich List, and it’s equally a puzzle that Peter Cullum is featured as a “newcomer” – apparently he was worth nothing last year. I’ve noticed too that Chilly of Benfield fame (now a grand fromage at Aon Benfield) has managed to hang on to his fortune despite the downturn, as has Peter Wood, who bought himself back from Lloyds/HBOS at a snip.
But who is missing from the lower divisions of the Rich List? Surely Giles, Reid and Homer must be worth a bit? And Peter Winslow and his Meerkat? Not forgetting Andrew Goodsell, mastermind of AA/Saga? Is it time for Insurance Times to publish their own version, so that we know who to send our begging letters to?
I’ve learned that fondness for Alan ‘Muddy’ Waters did him no good on Mars, but I’m certain the old boy will be back in the saddle soon and I look forward to his company. Meanwhile, Tom ‘Nine Lives’ Ernoult consolidates his position on Mars and I hope he has an extended run.
Elsewhere, a news blackout at Brit means that my supply chain of information has dried up. Either that, or an announcement is due any time soon. I’m also confident that my favourite to take the CEO private jet home and never come back is already consulting the removal men. It will be a summer of change, so watch this space come August.
As ever, let me know if you know better – always on the QT and very hush, hush. See you at Biba!
Email me: sid@insurancetimes.co.uk or leave your comments here.
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