Specialist motor insurer ERS today announced the proposed appointment of Amanda Blanc as non-executive director and Chair-designate of ERSSML, the managing agent of Syndicate 218 at Lloyd’s, and as a non-executive director of its holding company, ERS DGB Ltd. Amanda’s proposed appointment as Chair of ERSSML means she would follow Patrick O’Sullivan as Chairman of ERSSML next year. Amanda’s appointments would take effect on 2nd January 2020 and are subject to regulatory approval.
Amanda Blanc has over 30 years of experience in various insurance markets and has held several senior executive roles in the industry as a qualified chartered insurer. Most recently, Amanda served as a member of the Executive Committee and as Chief Executive Officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Zurich Insurance Group, where she was also responsible for global banking partnerships. Before joining Zurich, she served as Group CEO at AXA UK and in senior roles at Towergate Partnership, Groupama, Commercial Union and Ernst & Young. She is a former Chair of the Board of the Association of British Insurers and a past President of the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Amanda Blanc commented, “ERS has built a market-leading reputation in underwriting specialist motor insurance in the UK, and its hundreds of thousands of policy holders benefit from the strength of the Lloyd’s A+ rating. This position, coupled with ERS’ operational expertise and technology platform, provides a great foundation for the company to grow. I am delighted to join such an ambitious team with a clear passion for the business and look forward to working with the Board and my new ERS colleagues.”
ERS DGB is majority owned by Aquiline Capital Partners (“Aquiline”), a private equity firm based in New York and London investing in businesses globally across financial services and technology. Aquiline invested in ERS DGB in 2013.
Jeff Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of Aquiline and Chairman of ERS DGB, stated, “The Board and I would like to thank Patrick O’Sullivan for his significant contributions over the last six years as Chairman of ERSSML, as he played a critical role in getting the business to where it is today. Amanda, with her deep industry knowledge and strong track record, will help the company continue its success as it further expands and strengthens its position in the market.”
Over the first 6 months of 2019, ERS delivered strong organic growth and increased profitability, coupled with continued investments in technology that continue to bolster its position as the insurer of choice for its 1,500 UK motor brokers. Ian Parker, CEO of ERS, added, “I am excited Amanda has agreed to join our team as we look to grow the business organically and through acquisitions. Her appointment underscores the significant opportunities that lie ahead and reflect the important investments we have made in our talented employees, infrastructure and technology. Our platform is profitable and growing, and with Amanda’s appointment, we will continue our positive momentum.”
