Drive Further Collective restructures leadership team

Subject to regulatory approval, the new leadership heralds in a new era for Manchester-based insurance collective Drive Further. 

The Drive Further Collective has announced a significant restructuring of its senior leadership team as managing director Karen Beales steps down from her executive role to take on a non-executive position at the end of October.  

Based in Manchester, the Drive Further Collective encompasses Financial & Legal, MSL, and Magnus Insurance Services. The group specialises in legal expenses insurance (LEI), offering both before the event (BTE) and after the event (ATE) products. With a strong focus on innovation and adaptability, the Collective is well-positioned to navigate the evolving insurance landscape.   

Key appointments across the leadership team   

Jon Daniels, previously commercial director at Financial & Legal, has been appointed managing director of the group’s general insurance products and its motor claims business, MSL. Reporting directly to Drive Further Collective CEO Nick Garner, Jon will oversee continued growth and innovation across these sectors.   

Jon, who joined Financial & Legal in 2022, stated, “It’s a great honour to take over from Karen, and I’m excited to build on the outstanding success she has overseen in transforming the business into a leading player in specialist general insurance products. I’m grateful she will remain on the board as a source of advice, and I look forward to leading the next phase of growth.” 

Joining Jon on the leadership team, Phil Bellamy has been named managing director for ATE legal expenses products within Financial & Legal and Magnus Insurance Services. Phil will also report to Nick Garner, leveraging his extensive 35-year experience in the legal expenses market to enhance product development and operational excellence.   

Rounding out the leadership changes, Richard Neve has been appointed commercial director. Reporting to Jon Daniels, Richard will focus on business development for Financial & Legal, MSL, and Magnus, bringing his expertise from senior roles in the insurance and claims sectors.    

Phil Bellamy, who has worked with the group on a consultancy basis for nearly five years, shared his vision for his new role:  

“I’m thrilled to take on this new position and to continue delivering value and innovation in our legal expenses products. It’s a privilege to build on the great work that’s already been done and contribute to the next phase of success.” 

Karen Beales reflects on her tenure 

Karen Beales commented, “We’re very fortunate to have Jon, Phil, and Richard stepping into these roles. I’m confident they will continue to drive success and lead the business to even greater achievements.”  

Karen’s contributions to the group during her tenure were also highlighted by CEO Nick Garner, who stated, “Karen has overseen a remarkable period of growth for Financial & Legal, and I thank her for her immense contribution. While stepping back from her executive role, I’m delighted she will remain on the board, providing invaluable guidance as we continue to grow.” 

Image: Canva 

Josie Geistfeld Josie is an editor for Claims Media. She welcomes feedback, comments, and opinion at josie.geistfeld@barkerbrooks.co.uk