Mark Cliff is to become non-executive chairman of Brightside Group. The move is designed to pave the way for the appointment of a new CEO, although he will continue to run the Bristol-based business in the meantime.
Mark said that after three years as executive chairman and CEO of Brightside, during which time the broker has been through a significant transformation programme, it was “the right time to step back from the coal face and bring in a new CEO to take Brightside on the next stage of its journey.”
“I am immensely proud of our achievements in revitalising a broker that had lost some of its soul. Our performance has been transformed, our policy count continues to grow, we have excellent relationships with our panel insurers and our business partners, and we are on plan to meet our targets for this financial year.”
“In particular, with the close support of AnaCap, I have been a strong champion for digitisation, and our investment in digital distribution. With continued investment including the implementation of AI and robotics in the back office, Brightside will further grow our presence and competitive position in the personal lines market.”
“As someone who until this role had spent most of my career on the insurer side, I am proud to be a broker. It remains the most exciting, dynamic and entrepreneurial sector within our industry.”
“While the past three years have posed challenges, I will be preparing to step back confident in the knowledge Brightside has transformed itself into a digital broker, in much better shape and confident about its future.”
Mark explained that as well as his role as Brightside Group’s non-executive chairman, he would be free to take on other non-executive roles across the industry. “I still have a lot to offer the industry, and am keen to broaden my horizons and take on additional challenges.”