AFL Insurance Brokers Ltd chief financial officer Keely Dalfen will be handing over the reins to Chris Gagg on September 01.

Gagg, who most recently served as group head of treasury at Towergate Insurance, will also become a member of the AFL board of directors starting next month. His 17 years of insurance and financial services experience includes time spent at Deloitte UK, Grant Thornton UK LLP, and Ernst & Young.    

“AFL is an innovation-focussed broker on a dynamic growth path,” noted the incoming CFO. “The company is building a business around digitisation, allowing it to operate more efficiently, and ultimately better serve clients and partners in the Worldwide Broker Network.

“It is an exciting proposition – the industry as we know it is changing, and the winners of the future will embrace this transformation. I am delighted to have the opportunity to join as CFO at a time when the company is rapidly expanding into a full-service independent, international broker.”

Dalfen, meanwhile, will remain at the independent Lloyd’s broker as an advisor.

“The last 12 months has seen the company continue to grow into a dynamic and modern home for the best talent, and it is a great pleasure to welcome Chris to the team,” commented AFL chief executive Bob Finch. “At the same time we thank Keely, who has been with the business since it was founded in 2008, for her ongoing dedication and expert insight. We look forward to continuing to benefit from Keely’s input going forwards.”

The CEO described AFL’s future as bright and said Dalfen’s successor – whom chair Toby Esser called “a trusted and respected insurance financial professional” – was joining at a pivotal time in the firm’s growth.

“His appointment further cements the leadership team on the board, where his experience and insight will be invaluable in providing strategic corporate finance input as we continue to grow the business into a highly innovative wholesale and retail broker,” stated Esser. “Our strategy is to modernise the broking model to offer more value to our clients, and to achieve a scale that offers a real independent alternative to market incumbents.

“We will continue to diversify our business and invest in new technology that drives efficiency across operations and finance. I look forward to working with Chris as we expand internationally.”