PIB Group, an international insurance intermediary specialising in insurance broking, managing general agents (MGAs) and other insurance services, has confirmed that David Martin will become its Group Chief Executive Officer in early 2027.
Martin will move to the business from Aviva, where he currently holds the positions of Managing Director, UK Commercial and Chief Distribution Officer.
The leadership appointment forms part of PIB Group’s plans to strengthen its existing operations and pursue further organic expansion across its European markets, while taking a more targeted approach to acquisitions.
Martin has worked in the insurance sector for over three decades, building his career across personal and commercial insurance, distribution and business management. Beginning as an apprentice in personal motor insurance, he subsequently progressed into a series of senior positions at major insurance providers.
Among his previous appointments was Head of Retail Management at Zurich, where his remit covered Personal Lines, Direct, Digital and Mid Commercial activities. He later joined Aviva in 2023, becoming a member of its UK General Insurance Executive Committee.
In his current position, Martin oversees distribution strategy and initiatives aimed at delivering profitable growth within Aviva’s Digital SME and Mid-Market operations. His responsibilities have also involved developing relationships with insurance brokers, supporting greater regional autonomy and improving the application of technology and data across distribution activities.
PIB Group indicated that this combination of commercial leadership and broker-focused experience was relevant to its longer-term business objectives, particularly its intention to generate more growth from existing operations.
Since its establishment in 2015, PIB Group has developed a network of insurance businesses spanning the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. The organisation operates across several areas of the market, bringing together specialist brokers, MGAs, London Market operations and insurance programme providers.
Businesses within the group include Acquinex, Barbon, Citynet and Guest Krieger, alongside a wider portfolio of regional broking companies.
Having expanded its international presence over the past decade, PIB Group is now seeking to place greater emphasis on the performance and development of its established businesses.
The company explained that its priorities include identifying additional opportunities among existing customers, expanding the range of services offered through its businesses and improving coordination across its international network.
PIB Group also intends to make greater use of its existing operational platform, with future acquisition activity assessed more selectively and with a stronger focus on value.
According to the company, Martin’s experience in managing distribution networks and developing commercial relationships is expected to contribute to these objectives as he takes responsibility for the group’s next stage of development.
The transition will see PIB Group’s existing interim leadership arrangements remain in place until Martin joins the organisation.
During this period, the business will continue to be managed by its Office of the CEO, consisting of Chief People Officer Jo Payne, Chief Financial Officer Alastair Hay, Chief Operating Officer Rob Houghton, General Counsel Carl McMillan and Chief Growth Officer Ryan Brown.
PIB Group founder Brendan McManus will continue in his position as Chairman.
McManus, Chairman of PIB Group, commented: “David knows the broker market inside out. He has spent his career working with brokers and building businesses that grow because they serve customers well, and that’s exactly what PIB Group needs for its next chapter. I’m delighted to welcome him and look forward to working closely with him.”
Martin added: “PIB Group has built something unique: a group of specialist, entrepreneurial businesses with real scale across Europe. I’ve spent much of my career working alongside brokers, and I’m excited to now lead one of the most ambitious groups in the market. I’m looking forward to meeting colleagues, clients and partners and building on the strong foundations already in place.”
