Lloyd's broker Avid hires ex-Ageas chief Cliff to drive growth strategy

Lloyd's coverholder, general insurance broker and managing general agent Avid Insurance has appointed senior insurance executive Mark Cliff as chairman to support its growth strategy.

Cliff has been the executive chairman and CEO of Brightside Group, which he joined in 2015. Prior to that, he was chief executive of retail and distribution at Ageas Insurance, where he was responsible for all Ageas UK's broker distribution and affinity relationships, as well as Ageas's Kwik Fit Financial Services, Ageas Insurance Solutions, RIAS and Castle Cover.

He has also worked at AXA Insurance, where he held the position of markets, managing director, and was responsible for all distribution channels, commercial branch operations, as well as customer service and marketing. Previously, he worked at RSA in a variety of roles for 15 years. Cliff is also deputy chairman of BIBA’s Large Broker Advisory Board and a former vice president of the CII.

MGA Avid is majority owned by Beech Tree Private Equity, and specialises in personal lines and commercial products, such as social housing, council leasehold markets and travel.

Stephen Gibson, Avid founder and managing director, said: "I am extremely pleased to welcome Mark as Avid Chairman. His wide-ranging experience will be an invaluable asset to Avid as we move forward with our exciting plans for growth in our existing markets and in new sectors and products.

“Mark will help steer our strategy and assist our business development, including inorganic growth, where we have made no secret of our desire to acquire businesses and specialist underwriting teams, where they make strategic sense.”

Gibson added: “We continue to enjoy strong backing from insurer partners, a robust technology platform and a clear-sighted view of the growth opportunities that are arising as the market reacts to the pandemic.”

Cliff said: “Avid is one of the most exciting prospects in the MGA sector. Steve and John (Inwood), commercial director, are highly regarded, experienced operators. They have built a genuine thoroughbred and I am confident it will deliver success for its clients, insurer partners and investors.”