Private medical insurance (PMI) and employee benefits adviser Verlingue has appointed Ian McKinney as director, corporate – Midlands and South West to lead its new operation in Birmingham.
The firm is opening a new Birmingham office as part of its strategy to expand its existing client base in the Midlands and South West region, with McKinney at the helm.
McKinney has more than 20 years’ insurance market experience. He joins from broker A J Gallagher where he was client services director, most recently in its Coventry office.
He has also held roles at both national and multinational insurance brokers including Oval, Lockton, Aon, and Willis where he started out as a graduate trainee.
Verlingue specialises in supporting corporate and mid-corporate sized businesses and will be providing its full range of risk management, broking, and employee benefits propositions from its new office.
McKinney (pictured) said Verlingue had a great leadership team that are respected across the market and a family business culture that delivers real long-term value for its clients and its people.
“This combination makes it a hugely attractive prospect for businesses and talented people in the market who are looking to join us on our journey,” he said.
“Having spent the last ten years working face to face with clients in the Midlands and South West I really understand this market and the huge potential for growth.
“Having an office on the ground is the next logical step to help us expand our services to clients.
“I am truly looking forward to building a team, over the next few years, encompassing the best and brightest talent in the market and believe that Verlingue is a very exciting alternative for those who’ve become disillusioned with the constant churn and deteriorating service of the consolidator and global broker models.”
Mike Latham, CEO of Verlingue added: “There is no doubt that the continued consolidation in the broker market has left a major gap for corporate and mid-corporate clients who are looking for high quality advice and service delivered by experienced people who understand their business.
“For many years, our business has been built on our ability to consistently provide what those clients need.”