Jonathan Bines
AFL Insurance Brokers Appoints New UK CEO
London, 9 May, 2019: Independent Lloyd’s broker AFL Insurance Brokers Ltd (AFL) is delighted to today announce the appointment of Jonathan Bines as CEO of AFL UK, as the business gears up for further international expansion in North America, effective 1st June 2019.
Currently AFL Chief Commercial Officer, Jonathan Bines will take on the role that will see him lead the company’s wholesale and retail operations supported by Corporate Director Mike Almond and Chief Financial Officer Chris Gagg and the rest of the global leadership team.
Following a 20-year career in insurance, Jonathan joined AFL in April 2018, and has proven his ability to be a passionate and effective leader, and drive forwards commercial opportunities in a dynamic and fast-evolving market.
Jonathan’s appointment on 1st June will take place ahead of the launch of a new AFL platform in North America, which is planned for later this year. AFL Co-Founder and current CEO Bob Finch will relocate to the US, becoming CEO of AFL North America, an operation which will support the creation of new independent managing general agency (MGA) businesses, and new product lines.
AFL Chairman Toby Esser said, “Since joining AFL, Jonathan has quickly built a reputation for delivery. His promotion to UK CEO is a reflection of his focus on outstanding service for AFL’s clients and partners, keen eye for commercial opportunities, and commitment to operational excellence – attributes which will be invaluable going forwards. Jonathan will continue to play a key role in meeting AFL UK’s goals, as we continue to build our talented team and grow our retail and wholesale broking business.
At the same time, we see excellent opportunities in North American markets, particularly through MGA operations, and AFL plans to expand its presence significantly in this space.
I know Bob relishes the opportunity to lead the North American business, and we look forward to announcing further details on this new platform in due course. For the time being, I’d like to congratulate Jonathan and Bob on these exciting and well-deserved moves.”
AFL CEO Bob Finch said, “It has been a highly rewarding 10 years leading AFL to this very exciting position we currently occupy. The business is in good health, with an infrastructure now in place ready to accommodate the bigger scale we have strategically planned in the coming years. The UK operations are in very safe hands with such an experienced and capable management team led by Jonathan.
At the same time, we see building our presence in North America as a natural evolution for AFL as we look to increase the flow of long term business into London. We enjoy strong relationships throughout the US and Canada and this expansion is the strongest signal of intent and commitment we could make to those markets, and our partners and friends over there. It’s an incredibly exciting prospect, for both myself and AFL, and I am very much looking forward to leading this drive.”
AFL Chief Commercial Officer Jonathan Bines said, “AFL continues to grow into a leading independent insurance broker with a proven track record for expert advice and insight placing global and multinational risks in the London market. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first 12 months at AFL and I am very much looking forward to building on what we have achieved to date. We are totally focussed on excellence in everything we do and are determined to deliver with quality and enthusiasm.
I am delighted to be taking up the role of UK CEO to further drive and enhance our operations in London and Manchester, and now that the company also has a tremendous opportunity to grow further and diversify on the international stage I look forward to working with Toby, Bob and the rest of the global team. ”
