PwC appoints new UK insurance leader

PwC has appointed Jim Bichard to lead its UK insurance practice, succeeding Jonathan Howe, who has led the practice since 2013.

Howe has stepped down from the position and will take up another senior role in the company with a continued focus on InsurTech space.

Bichard, who has led PwC’s London market and broking team since April 2013, has been with the company for 20 years, including five years in New York, working in the reinsurance industry on a range of projects including risk and regulatory, governance, structuring and assurance.

He has also recently led PwC’s Solvency II and regulatory team across the UK and EMEA.

Andrew Kail, UK financial services leader at PwC, said: “Insurance is a critical part of the financial services industry and a key industry sector for PwC, so I am delighted Jim has taken on the leadership of our UK insurance practice.

“Jim brings a wealth of experience and is ideally suited to working with our clients as they manage significant change in the years ahead."

Bichard commented: “I am thrilled to be asked to lead such a strong and diverse team who are passionate about what they do. The insurance industry has never been a more dynamic place to work and although there are many challenges, there are also opportunities for the industry to restate its value to society and grow successfully.

“I look forward to working with our clients as they deal with technological transformation and business challenges, rising costs, ongoing regulatory or accounting changes and the process of the UK leaving the European Union.”