Richard Coleman joins lifestyle firm and travel broker

Lifestyle firm and travel insurance broker Collinson Group has hired former Zurich UK executive Richard Coleman (pictured) as European director.

Coleman was head of UK commercial broker business at Zurich before his departure earlier this year. He had worked for Zurich for 20 years.

He joined insurance data and analytics firm Cytora as an adviser in July.

In his new role at Collinson, best known in insurance for its travel insurance brand Columbus Direct, Coleman will be responsible for executing the group’s European strategy, leading 500 people.

He will also lead the expansion of Collinson’s global insurance and assistance business lines.

Coleman will work closely with Collinson joint chief executive David Evans.

Evans said: “We have many exciting projects underway which reflect our ambition to deliver the best products and services for our customers. Richard brings the ideal skillset and experience to drive Collinson Group’s growth strategy in the region, and expand our insurance and assistance revenue outside of Europe.”

Coleman added: “While already established in Europe, there is clear potential for growth which would further cement Collinson Group as an organisation with truly global capabilities. We will be continuing our expansion in the insurance, loyalty and lounge sectors and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”