General Insurance Article - New appointment to lead Ageas’s Commercial expansion

 Ageas has appointed Roy Watkinson to the position of Head of Commercial Pricing and Underwriting to support the growth of its Commercial lines business, reporting into Underwriting Director Adam Clarke.

 This newly created role will be responsible for over 100 employees and focuses on leading the delivery of Ageas's strategic Commercial programme through pricing, underwriting and further strengthening broker relationships. Roy starts his new role with effect from 1 August 2011.

 Roy has over 36 years of industry experience with previous roles including at Axa Insurance, where he held the position of Technical and Commercial Underwriting Director, with responsibility for all Commercial intermediary and direct channels.

 Commenting on Roy's appointment, Adam Clarke, Ageas Underwriting Director said: "I am delighted that Roy is joining Ageas in this key Commercial role. The new appointment is a significant demonstration of our commitment to grow our Commercial lines proposition and reflects the value we place on continuing to build solid relations with our brokers. Roy joins an already strong Management team and we will benefit considerably from his technical and Commercial expertise and leadership."

 Roy Watkinson said: "I am excited to be joining Ageas at this pivotal point in the development of the company's Commercial business. I look forward to working with the team and to lead what is already a very strong and robust Commercial offering."

 Ageas's Commercial business strategy delivered significant growth in 2010 of £163.9 million Gross Written Premium, a 33.0% increase compared to 2009 (£123.2 million).