Ardonagh Advisory announces appointment of Phil Bayles as Chief Commercial Officer

Ardonagh Advisory Holdings Ltd (“Ardonagh Advisory”) today announces the appointment of Phil Bayles as Chief Commercial Officer¹.

Phil joins Ardonagh Advisory from Aviva UK where he has held a variety of senior roles spanning 18 years, most latterly Chief Distribution Officer.

In this newly created role reporting into CEO of Ardonagh Advisory, Rob Worrell, Phil will be a member of the Ardonagh Advisory Executive Team, leading on placement and strategic growth initiatives including M&A. Phil will also oversee Broker Network and Compass, working closely with MD of Networks Jaime Swindle, where he will continue to voice his unequivocal support of independent insurance broking.

Commenting on this appointment today, Rob Worrell said:

“Those that know me will attest to the fact that I have long been waiting for the opportunity to work with Phil, who is a friend of many years. To have him sat around the Ardonagh Advisory table at this moment in our journey feels like the stars aligning.

Phil is a leader who has amplified the voice of brokers and has fought to promote the necessity of independent, professional risk advice. We welcome his inimitable style of representing issues on behalf of intermediaries and being a force for change.

Ardonagh Advisory is poised for substantial growth both organically and via accretive, complimentary acquisitions. Our market leading retention rates, award winning customer service and a burgeoning regional footprint across multiple commercial and specialist lines is built upon putting the customer at the heart of every decision we make. I know I can speak on behalf of all my colleagues when I say how genuinely delighted we are to have tempted Phil onto this side of the fence, where I truly believe he will make an indelible mark on our value creation story.”

Phil Bayles added:

“Having spent 18 very happy years at Aviva, it was only going to take a very special opportunity for me to consider leaving. Working with Rob, his team and the broader Ardonagh Group Executive is that opportunity.

There is a natural home for me with Rob and his team, working amongst friends who know my passion for supporting regional broking. I feel certain that this role will enable me to play a meaningful role in the future of Ardonagh Advisory and in the businesses and brokers it supports across the UK.

Although I’m sad to be leaving behind so many great colleagues at Aviva, I’m genuinely excited about joining Ardonagh and the opportunity it presents.”

Phil will start his new role in the Summer of 2021.

¹ subject to usual regulatory approvals

Notes to Editors

ARDONAGH ADVISORY

Ardonagh Advisory Holdings Ltd is The Ardonagh Group’s SME broking platform comprised of Broker Network, Compass UK, Ethos Broking, Footman James, Towergate Insurance Brokers, Towergate Health & Protection, Towergate Riskline and Your Insurance brands.

With legacies which laid the foundations for the creation of The Ardonagh Group, these are advice-led, community-focused businesses with an unrivalled local footprint of experts across a wide range of sectors and specialisms, combined with national and international reach.