AGL appoints Tesco Underwriting director

Activate Group (AGL) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Paul Pancham, strategic development director at Tesco Underwriting, as non-executive chairman.

AGL, founded in 2015, specialises in accident management services and partners with fleet providers and insurers to service thousands of claims per year.

Pancham became a non-executive director at AGL in 2017. His new role expands his remit to offer guidance on strategic direction as well as continuing to provide industry expertise and an impartial perspective.

Founder Mark Wilcox, chief executive officer Hannah Wilcox, chief operating officer Jamie Sopp and non-executive director Mark Woods are also members of the AGL board of directors.

Wilcox said: “Paul’s insight and expertise has been invaluable to us over the last few years, and we are delighted to announce his appointment to the new role of non-executive chairman.”

“Paul brings significant experience in the automotive, vehicle repair and insurance industries to his non-executive chairman role at AGL. He is a specialist in integrated supply chain solutions and has held responsibility for multi-billion-pound insurance claims spend in both personal and commercial lines. As such, he is extremely well placed to provide the support, guidance and challenge we need at a time of significant growth for AGL.”

Pancham has also invested in and owned several businesses, including Artis Accident Repair, a privately-owned group of vehicle repair centres based in the Southeast where he is currently executive chairman.

Commenting on his appointment, Pancham said: “I’m stepping into the role of non-executive chairman at AGL during a time of evolution and positive change, which affords me a great opportunity to work with a talented leadership team and be part of shaping their ambitious plans for the future.”

“Already this year, AGL has announced a £3 million investment in a new body shop division, Activate Accident Repair, which will see it create state-of-the-art centres in Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester over the next 12 months.”

“This new division will sit alongside AGL’s established businesses: Sopp+Sopp, Motor Repair Network and Sopp Parts, to offer an end-to-end accident management proposition to fleets, insurers, TPAs and brokers.”

“It’s an exciting time to be working with AGL and I am looking forward to supporting the organisation to grow sustainably while continuing to maximise value for its clients.”

Mark Dugdale