Specialist insurer Beazley has announced the appointment of Sam Franks as Country Manager, UK & Ireland, effective immediately.
In his new role, based in Birmingham, Franks will focus on the development of Beazley’s UK and Irish regional business outside the Lloyd’s market.
At the same time, he will also retain his current position within the Distribution Team as Head of Partner Engagement UK & Ireland.
Franks has over two decades of experience in the UK insurance market, having joined Beazley in 2018 as the UK Regional Development Manager.
During this time he has bolstered the business’s engagement strategies in the UK and has built a strong network of broker partners and clients.
Prior to Beazley, Franks spent close to 18 years at Hiscox, where he held a number of positions including Regional Manager (Midlands), UK, following his promotion from Head of Broker Operations, UK.
Fred Kleiterp, European General Manager, said: “The creation of the Country Manager role further cements our commitment to our European proposition, supporting clients as they navigate an increasingly complex world.
“Sam will be an integral point of contact, developing and enhancing our relationships with our regional partners, regulators, and clients, while ensuring our colleagues are supported in fostering their own strategic relationships. His already proven ability to lead a team and enable business development, combined with his regional expertise, makes him the ideal person to spearhead this role in aid of growing our presence in Europe.”
Franks commented: “I’m both proud of the foundations we’ve built with our broker community in the UK and Ireland regional markets and incredibly excited to be playing a role as we grow together and capitalise on the opportunities within the region.
“Beazley has a fantastic team in place and I look forward to working with them as we continue to provide expert advice and specialty solutions to an exciting market.”
