Coles named as LMRC chairman

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has appointed Tim Coles, chief executive of Howden Broking Group, as the new chairman of its London Market Region Committee (LMRC) with immediate effect. Tim succeeds Ken Davidson, chairman of Crispin Speers & Partners Ltd, who was instrumental in leading the LMRC through its first two years, will remain on the committee. Tim Coles, Howden’s chief executive, said: “I’m delighted to take up the reins of the LMRC. We will continue to represent BIBA’s London market members and influence BIBA’s industry and lobbying initiatives.As an industry we face myriad issues and changes arising from the current economic and regulatory environment. As chairman of the LMRC, my priority will be to seek engagement from the BIBA membership and wider broking community in order that, together, we ensure the best possible outcomes for the industry.” Eric Galbraith, BIBA chief executive, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Ken and I would like to thank him for leading LMRC and for his guidance over the last two years. I am delighted Tim has accepted the chairmanship position and I look forward to working with him.” Ken Davidson, outgoing Chairman of the LMRC, said: “I am delighted to have been involved from the very beginning of LMRC and to see it prosper. I am confident in handing over to Tim who is a well respected market practitioner.” Tim joined Howden, part of the Hyperion Insurance Group in February 2002 as director of marketing. He soon established and became managing director of Howden Risk Partners, a division specialising in the provision of management liability products to the investment industry. Tim became CEO of Howden Insurance Brokers with responsibility for the UK retail business and the global wholesale and reinsurance operations in 2006. He took the reins as CEO of Howden Broking Group in January 2010.