CGSC poaches Brightside exec for commercial director role

Broker Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford (CGSC) has appointed Andy Wallin as group commercial director.

Wallin brings over a decade of senior management experience, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) expertise and growth strategy development and execution to his new role. He previously served as group chief executive officer (CEO) of Brightside Insurance Services.

Prior to this, in his role as group commercial director at Arthur J Gallagher International, Wallin was tasked with developing and overseeing an acquisition strategy and leading a series of M&A transactions which underpinned a period of exceptional growth. Wallin has also held senior roles at Oxygen Holdings and Willis.

Steve Hearn, group CEO, said: “We have a strong foundation but we are looking to build something exceptional and to establish ourselves as an altogether different proposition, based on creativity and innovation, which will set us apart from anything in the market today.

“Realising this goal requires three elements; a clear strategy, the requisite resources and outstanding talent. Andy is an example of the latter. He will be an invaluable partner to me in this venture. His experience and drive will be a key part of our business and his appointment represents a significant step forward, I am delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Wallin added: “What Steve and his team are building is highly ambitious but also timely. Being part of what I am certain will quickly become a pioneering force in this market was impossible to pass up and I am truly looking forward to the challenge.”