Patrick Smith is next Biba chairman

Swinton chairman Patrick Smith will become chairman of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association in September, succeeding Derek Thornton.

Smith takes up the post following unanimous board approval and will be confirmed as chairman elect at the Biba annual general meeting this month.

Smith has 38 years experience in the insurance industry including being chairman of Hill House Hammond. He has also set up an e-commerce general insurance intermediary, fronted the buy -out of Swinton from R&SA, held the chief executive position and is now the chairman. Smith has previously sat on the Biba board and chaired the Biba personal lines focus group.

Derek Thornton, chairman of Biba, said: "As my two years in the role come to an end, I am delighted that Patrick has agreed to take up the mantle. Patrick has a wealth of broking knowledge and experience of the industry which I know he will now apply to the benefit of both BIBA’s Board and the whole Association. I’m sure he will prove to be a strong leader for the organisation and will successfully guide BIBA and its members through the challenges that face insurance brokers and intermediaries in the general insurance sector.”

Patrick Smith added:: “I am honoured to be selected for such an important role and I am very much looking forward to taking up my position as BIBA Chairman in September. It’s important to make a contribution to the industry and I’m pleased to have this opportunity to give something back to broking. I am determined that BIBA will continue to make an impact on the tough issues that it has to deal with and I’m planning to participate wherever possible.”