ERS picks former Ageas UK CEO to replace Blanc as chair

Specialist motor insurer ERS has appointed former Ageas UK CEO Francois-Xavier Boisseau as non-executive director and chairman of ERSSML, the managing agent of Syndicate 218 at Lloyd’s.

In his role as chairman, Boisseau will succeed Amanda Blanc, who has joined UK insurer Aviva as CEO.

Boisseau joined ERS as a board member earlier this year, bringing more than 30 years of industry experience from his previous role as chief executive officer of Ageas UK insurance and roles at Groupama, Ageas UK, Bollington, Lark, Carole Nash and AXA. He also serves on the board of Argo Lloyd’s Managing Agency as a non-executive director and as a non-executive director at Ecclesiastical.

ERS DGB is majority owned by Aquiline Capital Partners, a private equity firm based in New York and London.

Ian Parker, CEO of ERS, said: “I am delighted that Francois-Xavier has agreed to become the Chairman of our board. In his short time as a board member, his expertise and guidance has been extremely valuable and he was the obvious successor to Amanda. FX will help us steer the firm to make the right strategic choices that will help optimise our technology platform and continue to grow profitably in the specialist segments we are known for.”

Boisseau commented: “I’m delighted to become Chairman of ERS and to work with such an ambitious team, one that has developed ERS’ reputation for motor specialism, that has strong technology foundations and is constantly delivering operational excellence that will serve it well in the future”.

Jeff Greenberg, chairman and CEO of Aquiline Capital Partners and chairman of ERS DGB, ERS’ holding company, added: “I would like to thank Amanda Blanc for her tremendous contribution to the business and I wish her well in her new role as CEO of Aviva PLC. When Francois-Xavier joined ERS’ board, he instantly brought deep knowledge of the industry from both the broker and insurer perspective. His elevation to Chairman will help the company continue to expand and strengthens its position in the market.”