General Insurance Article - Andy Homer to succeed Patrick Smith as Chairman of BIBA

 The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has announced that Andy Homer will become Chairman of the trade association in January 2012.

 Andy, most recently Towergate Insurance's Group CEO, will shortly take up his new role as a Non-executive Board member there.

 Andy has a wealth of insurance and broking knowledge with 40 years experience in the insurance industry including appointments as General Manager of Commercial Union UK (now part of Aviva) and CEO of Axa Insurance UK. Andy has also held position of Chairman of the Motor Insurance Bureau and is a past President of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

 Andy Homer commented: "I am honoured to be selected for such an important role and I am very much looking forward to taking up my position as BIBA Chairman. It's important to make a contribution to the industry and I'm pleased to have this opportunity to give something back to broking. I am determined that BIBA will continue to make an impact on the tough issues that it has to deal with and I'm planning to participate wherever possible."

 Patrick Smith, Chairman of BIBA, said: "As my time in the role comes to an end, I am delighted that Andy has agreed to take up the mantle. Andy has a wealth of broking knowledge and experience of the industry which I know he will now apply to the benefit of both BIBA's Board and the whole Association. I'm sure he will prove to be a strong leader for the organisation and will successfully guide BIBA and its members through the challenges that face insurance brokers and intermediaries in the general insurance sector."