First Central Group brings in chief claims officer

First Central Group (FCG), the parent company of UK motor insurance provider 1st Central and Gibraltar-based underwriter Skyfire Insurance, has restructured its management team and made a series of senior hires, including a chief claims officer.

Jonathan Guy, who joins FCG from Co-op Insurance Services, has been appointed as chief claims officer and will take responsibility for delivering the future digital customer claims strategy. He will also provide leadership on the processes and governance for the group’s claims indemnity spend and reserving.

Guy commented: “I’m delighted to be a part of the FCG’s success story and to get the opportunity to take it to the next level by simplifying the customer claims process, instilling trust back in to the industry and further empowering our valued customers, who sit at the heart of our business success.”

Simon Walker, previously chief operating officer, has been named as FCG’s chief executive officer. He will oversee the development of the insurance and technology group to drive continued growth, in addition to exploring strategic partnerships and collaborations.

John Kennedy has also joined FCG as the group’s chief financial officer, having held senior finance positions at Aviva, RAC and Towergate. He will be responsible for ensuring the business has the financial resources to deliver against its growth aspirations.

Mike Leonard, chairman and co-founder of FCG, commented: “Since joining our team at the beginning of last year, Simon has already made a significant impact at FCG and his promotion to chief executive officer is in recognition of his excellent contribution to the business. I’m confident that with our two further senior hires we have a formidable team in place, who will lead the business to our next phase of growth in a constantly evolving insurance market.”

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Mark Dugdale