Ripe, a UK-based digital managing general agent (MGA) that provides specialist insurance products through data-driven technology and digital distribution, has announced the appointment of Jon Fell as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Fell will lead Ripe’s operational strategy and oversee customer operations across the business. According to Ripe, he will also play a key role in supporting the company’s growth plans, with a particular focus on integrating future acquisitions. He will be based at Ripe’s headquarters in Stockport, which opened in April 2026.
He joins the business from Verso Wealth Management, where he served as Group Chief Operating Officer. During his time there, he led the integration of acquired businesses and helped develop operational capabilities across the group.
Before joining Verso Wealth Management, Mr Fell spent 25 years in operational leadership positions, including senior roles at Assurant Europe, Bank of America and a number of private equity-backed financial services firms. Ripe noted that he has extensive experience delivering large-scale digitisation programmes and initiatives aimed at improving customer experience and operational efficiency.
Fell commented: “I’m delighted to be joining Ripe and to be back in the North West as the business settles into its new Stockport home. This is a very exciting moment to come on board. Ripe has built a strong and well-earned reputation in data, technology and digital marketing, and there’s real momentum behind its expansion plans.
“I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on those foundations – both by scaling the core business and by bringing in like-minded, high-quality businesses that share the same values and ambition.”
Alan Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Ripe, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Jon to Ripe – his depth of operational experience, including complex integrations, will strengthen the leadership team as we continue to scale. Jon has a proven track record in fast-moving, growth-focused businesses, and I’m confident he’ll make an immediate impact.”
Ripe said the appointment reflects the company’s ongoing expansion through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The business now serves more than 430,000 customers across the UK.
In December 2025, Ripe completed its third major acquisition with the purchase of holiday home insurance provider Schofields Limited. The company also reported its 17th consecutive year of double-digit revenue growth, with turnover rising by £2.8 million to £20.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2024, compared with £17.8 million in 2023.
