As the first step in a wider investment programme aimed at building on its position in the UK and global financial services sector, international accountancy firm Mazars today announces the appointment of three senior actuaries as partners in Mazars Actuaries and Consultants: Peter Gatenby, Adam Brunskill and Dale Lee.
UK board member David Herbinet, who has overall responsibility for the financial services team, comments: “We already have a strong foothold in insurance and banking but this investment programme will put our offering significantly ahead of other non-big four firms and allow us to push forward and continue to compete at the highest level.”
Peter Gatenby has over 25 years’ experience gained in the life insurance, healthcare and investment sectors and has become the UK’s leading actuary concerned with long term healthcare. He is a Member of Council of the Institute of Actuaries and is a past chairman of the Staple Inn Actuarial Society.
Adam Brunskill has almost 20 years of non life experience at Lloyds and within the insurance companies market. He was previously Chief Actuary and a member of the executive management team at Munich Re’s direct insurance arm.
Dale Lee has over 25 years of significant actuarial and commercial experience. He held several senior positions including at an underwriting agency of Allianz, as part of the executive management team that was responsible for launching the business.
Herbinet added: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Peter, Adam and Dale aboard. They bring with them important branches of expertise that will be of increasing importance in the next few years, as well as offering immediate added value to our existing client base.”
According to Herbinet, the rationale behind hiring the new team lies in the criticisms of boards and auditors that have surfaced in sagas such as those at Equitable Life and Northern Rock, amongst others. He says: “These developments mean it is no longer possible to provide quality assurance and advisory services to the financial services market without a full range of experienced specialists, notably actuaries. It goes further than advice on solvency or capital adequacy, it goes to the heart of being able to see and interpret the full picture.”
He emphasised: “Mazars remains very serious about offering large companies a credible alternative to the big four, and there is no doubt that the financial services market is a key battleground. This growth strategy acknowledges that, for a number of stakeholders involved in the competition and choice debate, strength in the sector is an important factor in promoting positive opinions regarding the capabilities of non-big four firms.”