Hood Group has unveiled a series of senior leadership changes as the business continues to strengthen its home, travel and pet insurance distribution operations.
Simon Hood has stepped down as chief executive and will move into a non-executive director position. During his tenure, Hood guided the company through significant phases of transformation and strategic realignment.
To support continuity during the transition, the board has appointed Gary Duggan as interim executive chairman. Duggan brings extensive experience across UK personal lines, having held senior roles at Tesco Insurance, BGL’s Junction, and Saga Insurance. In his interim capacity, he will oversee day-to-day operations while the company conducts a search for its next chief executive.
The Group has also named Paul Pestell as its new chief financial officer. Pestell most recently served as CFO at Tempcover, where he played a key role in scaling the business and preparing it for its 2022 acquisition by RVU, the parent company of Confused.com.
Additionally, Andy Home will step down as non-executive chairman and remain on the board as a non-executive director.
The reshaped leadership team follows almost a year after Hood Group completed a management buyout supported by private equity firm Connection Capital LLP. The investment has enabled the company to enhance its distribution capabilities and elevate service levels for partners as it enters its next stage of growth.
