A note from Andy Watson & Ant Middle

After 10 years with Ageas UK, Andy Watson has decided to step down from his role as CEO and will be succeeded by Ant Middle, current Chief Customer Officer of Ageas UK.

From Andy Watson

I hope this email finds you, your families and colleagues well during this unprecedented time. I’m writing to update you on an announcement I have made today. After 10 years with Ageas, I will be stepping down as CEO at the end of June this year. Since taking this decision last year, I have been working closely with the executive team at Ageas Group to support a smooth handover to my successor, who I am pleased to confirm, subject to regulatory approval, will be our current Chief Customer Officer, Ant Middle.

With the appointment of Ant, Ageas continues to have a leader with a broad background and knowledge of the industry, combined with familiarity of the business and strong and established industry relationships with brokers and partners. His significant leadership experience and passion for the business means he is well positioned to drive the business forward and navigate the opportunities and challenges facing the UK insurance market.

It has been a privilege to be at the head of Ageas UK for over seven years. The intermediated channel continues to be, by some way, our biggest, and I want also to acknowledge your continued support for Ageas in what is one of the most competitive insurance markets in the world.

Finally, when I agreed the timetable with Ageas Group, I could not have anticipated that we would be in the current Coronavirus pandemic. In spite of these being long-established plans, I have questioned whether, under these circumstances, the timing is right. The fact that Ant is a member of the existing team does mean that any disruption is much reduced. I will still be in the business until the end of June, by when I hope the current situation will be more stable. Until then, I remain fully committed to Ageas and will work closely with Ant and the team to facilitate a smooth handover.

I was hoping to see you all at the BIBA Conference in May, but sadly that will not be the case. I will however be keeping in touch with the industry through the relatively small portfolio of non-executive roles that I aim to secure.

Best wishes and stay well,

Andy Watson 

CEO, Ageas UK

 

From Ant Middle

I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead Ageas in the UK, and to succeed Andy. 

Andy has offered great support for me personally, is a well respected leader of the business, and has made a great contribution to the industry more broadly. Therefore, I’m sure that you will all join me in thanking him for his significant contribution, and wishing him well in his new endeavours.

I’m looking forward to taking on the new position from June, leading a business that I’m passionate about. Navigating the challenges of recent weeks, and seeing how the business is responding, has underlined why.

The strength of relationships we have with our brokers and other business partners, and the care and commitment our people show is what I believe makes Ageas stand out. I'm delighted to be taking on the role to lead a business that is so dedicated to working with you to help develop our business together and deliver for customers.

We know we still have some tough times ahead as we face into the pandemic and I'm keeping close to the leadership team here, ensuring that we provide the right support to help you and your customers as we plot our path through this period. I’m pleased with the work so far, the business remains strong and resilient, and while it’s a challenging time my optimism for the future is undiminished.

I know that there will be questions about the replacement of my current role as Chief Customer Officer. I will review this and update you all over the coming months. In the meantime, my distribution leadership team, Russell White, Mark Auchterlonie, Darren Whittaker and I are here to work and trade with you.

Thank you for your ongoing support. I hope that you and your families stay safe and well and I look forward to catching up soon.

Best wishes,

Ant Middle

Chief Customer Officer, Ageas UK