Direct Insurance poaches new head of motor from HDI

Direct Insurance Group has hired a new head of motor from HDI Global, as it believes brokers are eyeing more niche and high growth areas of commercial motor given the hardening market conditions, as well as challenges of COVID-19 and Brexit.

Kevin Dawes joins the company's wholesale operation Direct Insurance London Market (DILM) with over 20 years of retail broking, underwriting and risk management experience in the commercial motor market.

Dawes was most recently head of motor at HDI Global Insurance.

Kevin has a unique blend of skills and experience that I am sure our broker partners will benefit from," said David Bearman, chief executive officer of Direct. "As we enter a hardening market, with Covid and Brexit bringing their own challenges, brokers are keen to explore more niche and high growth areas of commercial motor to ensure their business model remains resilient and responsive to market trends; we are delighted to be their partner of choice in continuing to access niche capacity and securing the best terms for their clients.

“It is a genuine passion for what we do and an enduring entrepreneurial approach that drives our Group forward. Kevin and his team share this passion and we’re excited to develop and see the team grow in line with our ambitions.”

Dawes commented: “Service, transparency, passion and talent are all central to a successful wholesale broker. Direct Insurance has all of these running through its veins, together with a very experienced team which has seen them go from strength to strength over the past few years. I am excited to help DILM continue its journey as we help brokers to explore the new opportunities in Motor that the current environment will undoubtedly present, and I look forward to working with our partners to find bespoke fleet solutions for their clients – whatever the hurdles.”