ERS appoints retail motor head from AXA

ERS, formerly Equity Red Star, has appointed Jon Byford, formerly of AXA, as head of retail underwriting.

In his new role, Byford will head up ERS’ retail underwriting division, including its modern private car, light commercial vehicle, motorcycle and motor breakdown business.

When he joins ERS at the end of August, he will report to ERS underwriting director, Mark Bacon.

Byford joins ERS from AXA where he held the position of head of motor personal lines intermediary. His insurance career spans over 18 years and has also held roles at NIG and Lloyd’s.

Bacon said that the success in attracting such a high calibre individual to ERS evidences the progress that the business has made over the last 12 months.

He continued: “Jon brings extensive expertise across the entire range of retail motor products and is very highly regarded by the many brokers that he has worked with.

“Not only will Jon help us continue the development of our underwriting capabilities in our retail team but he will be an excellent addition to our underwriting leadership team.”

Ian Parker, ERS chief executive officer, said: “It is just over a year since Aquiline bought ERS and the progress it has made towards profitability has enabled us to recruit people of the calibre of Jon. It is an indication of how confident the market is in the continued emerging strengths of the company.”