Renovation Underwriting names new head of distribution for private client team

HNW specialist has over a decade of expertise in the superyacht niche

Renovation Underwriting names new head of distribution for private client team

Insurance News

By Kenneth Araullo

Renovation Underwriting has announced the induction of Wayne Knibbs (pictured above) as the new head of distribution for private clients.

The industry vet steps into the role previously held by James Guthrie, who has since been elevated to oversee the company's entire distribution strategy as the head of distribution.

With a career spanning over two decades, Knibbs’ expertise is focused on the high-net-worth insurance sector. He was recently at Aviva, following its acquisition of Azur, holding a prior position as head of sales.

His tenure at AIG and over a decade of expertise in the superyacht insurance niche also further complement his role at Renovation Underwriting.

Initiated three years ago with Guthrie's arrival, the dedicated distribution team welcomes Knibbs as its latest member. Knibbs is set to collaborate closely with Mike Carolan, the head of distribution - commercial, who joined the company a year prior.

Knibbs is tasked with expanding the MGA's private client distribution channels, strengthening existing broker relationships, and fostering new partnerships to drive business growth.

Douglas Brown, the managing director of Renovation, expressed his enthusiasm for Knibbs joining the team.

“He is a well-respected member of the distribution community and builds on the work already undertaken by James Guthrie 'The Godfather' of HNW distribution,” Brown said. “Wayne's experience at the top level of the HNW space further underlines our commitment to our broking and insurer relationships. We wish him well and look forward to working with him on the further expansion of Renovation Underwriting.”

“I’ve admired the exceptional reputation of the business and Douglas Brown’s leadership for many years and have always been struck by RU’s clear vision and cohesiveness of the team. I’m hugely excited to have the opportunity to play an instrumental part in RU’s continuing growth. I join a business that has achieved incredible success, but I can see so much potential to scale further and look forward to building on such a solid platform,” Knibbs said.

Knibbs officially commenced his role at Renovation Underwriting on April 2 and is slated to represent the firm at the BIBA 2024 conference alongside his RU colleagues. For this year’s conference, Renovation Underwriting aims to highlight its approach to contract works insurance and promote continued creativity within the industry at the BIBA event scheduled for May 15 and 16.

Renovation Underwriting was named as the Best MGA in Insurance in the UK. Read the full report here.

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