Ripe names ex-Simply Business leader Alan Thomas as CEO

UK-domiciled, digital managing general agent (MGA) Ripe has appointed Alan Thomas as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to usher in the company’s next growth phase, subject to regulatory approval.

Thomas succeeds Paul Williams, who, after almost eight years as CEO, is moving to a Non-Executive Director (NED) role. Williams will serve as CEO in the interim and then work with Thomas to ensure a smooth transition.

Simultaneously, Founder and Managing Director John Woosey will transition to a NED role, following 15 years of double-digit growth during both executives’ tenure.

Thomas’ appointment follows that of Jamie Richards as Head of M&A, as the firm bolsters its leadership team and aligns with its future expansion plans.

Williams commented on the appointment: “Alan is the perfect person to lead the next phase of our journey. I couldn’t be prouder of the Ripe team and our success to date, and I have no doubt that Alan, with his wealth of strategic leadership experience and deep insurance industry knowledge, will achieve fantastic results.

“John and I look forward to supporting him and our team in our new roles and as significant shareholders, and we’re confident Ripe will continue to thrive and innovate in the years ahead.”

Thomas is the former UK CEO at Simply Business and has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s strategic direction and enhancing its position in the market.

Thomas commented: “Ripe has been on my radar following its impressive trajectory in previous years, and I’ve long admired their unique approach of using data, digital marketing and technology to improve the way customers experience insurance.

“This is a great time to join Ripe, using the platform to transform the way consumers experience insurance, harnessing data and technology to turbocharge our expansion. With such strong foundations already in place within Ripe, I’m confident about what lies ahead and excited to begin this new chapter.”

Laurel Powers-Freeling, Chair, added: “Alan’s appointment underscores Ripe’s ambitions and product expansion plans, while highlighting the ability to attract top talent. Our commitment to industry-leading technology, exceptional customer propositions, and delivering value for partners and investors aligns perfectly with Alan’s skills and experience.”

Ripe’s most recent results reported a 17% year-on-year growth across its SME, leisure and lifestyle product portfolio. The firm was founded in 1997 by Woosey to provide a fresh approach to insurance, over the past 27 years, it has developed a proprietary technology platform and established an expert in-house marketing team.

In 2022, private investment firm Aquiline Capital Partners LP acquired a majority stake in Ripe, and since then, the fintech has significantly increased its policyholders and completed its first acquisition.

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