Direct Insurance hires Cobra MD to expand specialty capabilities

Direct Insurance Group has appointed Andy Graham as head of specialist liability within its Lloyd’s broker division, Direct Insurance London Market (DILM).

Graham was previously managing director of Cobra London Markets.

After 34 years in the market and 27 of those with Cobra London Markets working primarily in construction and high risk liability insurance, Graham joins DILM to further build and expand its specialty products for the UK commercial broker market.

David Bearman, chief executive officer for Direct Insurance Group, said: We are delighted that Andy has chosen to join us. There are very few brokers in the market with his immense knowledge and experience of Construction and High Risk Liability lines. His profile was a natural fit and we are very excited to have him formally on board from November once his sabbatical leave is over.

“We’re an entrepreneurial, people acquisitive business; as soon as we were made aware of Andy’s potential availability, it was an opportunity we were very keen to pursue. We now have 150 staff group wide; we’ve hired 10 people since the introduction of lockdown measures in the UK and there’s no sign of our recruitment strategy slowing down. I’m delighted that as a group we continue to appeal to the best talent in the market.”

Graham commented: “I’ve known Direct Insurance, David and the team since the Business started in 1996 and I’ve always been impressed with their various specialist facilities including Asbestos, Waste, Property and High Risk Construction to mention a few. It’s an innovative business with a strong management team that’s got vision. It has grown steadily over the past few years and I’m excited to be a part of the next chapter in its development.”