Towergate names James Tugendhat SME and personal lines chief

Towergate has appointed James Tugendhat as chief executive of Towergate Direct.

The division – which is focused on SME and specialist personal lines business – was created when Towergate separated its retail business into two divisions in November.

Towergate’s other retail division, Towergate Insurance Brokers, is headed by Michael Rea and is focused on face-to-face broking.

Tugendhat joins Towergate on Monday and will report directly to group chief executive Mark Hodges and sit on its executive committee.

He joins from Bupa Group, where he was most recently chief executive of its US health service business, Health Dialog. He was previously commercial director of its international health insurance business.

Before Bupa he spent several years at drinks giant Diageo, where he held several senior strategy, sales and marketing roles.

Hodges said: “Towergate Direct is central to our strategy of building on chosen specialisms to grow our business, and I am delighted to be able to announce James as its new chief executive. James will quickly demonstrate that he is the right person to take Towergate Direct forward, as we look to improve customer experience, grow the business and improve operating efficiency.

“This appointment is testament to our ability to continue to attract the best talent to a business that is in good shape to grow significantly over the next few years. “

Tugendhat added: “Towergate has a well-earned reputation as an industry leader with a proven-track record. Specialism is at the heart of its business and I look forward to leading Towergate Direct as it continues to build on these strengths as a foundation for growth.”