27th January 2010

Malcolm Etchells appointed Head of E-Commerce at Groupama Insurances

Groupama Insurances has appointed Malcolm Etchells, currently Operations Development Manager, as its new Head of E-commerce, reporting to Kevin Kiernan, Groupama’s Personal Lines Director.

The role will see Malcolm assuming responsibility for managing Groupama’s award winning e-commerce team and for driving Personal, Commercial and Healthcare business through electronic channels. He will operate from Groupama’s Underwriting and Service Centre in Manchester and replaces Ken Hutchinson, the company’s former Head of E-commerce who left Groupama at the end of 2009.

Malcolm joined Groupama in1991 and played a key role in the implementation of ProStar, the company’s internal business administration systems. Having also been involved in the development and roll-out of EDI and e-business since its early beginnings, Malcolm has a very sound knowledge of electronic trading systems and methodologies as well as the practical business experience that will enable him to work closely with all areas of Groupama Insurances. In his 4 years as Operations Development Manager, he developed a wide range of valuable business relationships that will offer significant benefits in his new role.

Personal Lines Director, Kevin Kiernan says: "E-trading is of real strategic importance to Groupama Insurances and it was therefore vital that we selected an individual with the skills, experience, foresight and understanding to drive forward our award winning e-business capabilities. It is really gratifying that we have again been able to make an important appointment from within our business and I am delighted that Malcolm has accepted this important role."

Malcolm will play a leading role in developing and implementing Groupama’s electronic trading strategy across all channels. He will be working with a team of 5 e-trading specialists and will also continue to work closely with broker software houses and other system providers as well as Groupama’s network of trading partners.

Commenting on his appointment, Malcolm Etchells adds: "Our powerful e-business capabilities already provide real business benefits for our broker partners. My challenge is to ensure that we stay one step ahead of the competition as part of a continuing commitment to providing innovative online solutions. 2010 has plenty of new e-trading developments in store from Groupama and I am really happy to be in a position to drive forward these important initiatives with my new team."

Ends
January 2010