BIBA exhibiting team
KGM
Iain
Iain Thomas
Iain Thomas
Head of Business Development
Iain joined KGM as the Head of Business Development in May 2021 and is part of the senior leaders group based in Romford. He started his career in July 1981 as a Junior Clerk at NIG on the impressive salary of £2,700. Having done a number of roles at NIG such as Underwriter, Audit Underwriter, Technical Manager and Schemes Underwriter he finally moved into Distribution where he was Head of Distribution. He moved on to LV in 2011 as Head of Distribution. When he isn’t working, he takes on his best job which is being a grandad to George and Katie in addition he spends his time running, in the gym and fishing.
E: iain.thomas@kgmus.co.uk
T: 0750 001 6725
Samantha
Samantha Kruger-Jones
Samantha Kruger-Jones
Business Development Executive – Group
Samantha Kruger–Jones joined KGM in 2021 as Key Account Executive, group relationships, which include A-Plan, Howden and Aston Lark. Samantha has over 30 years insurance experience, previously working for 2 major insurance companies and an intermediary managing relationships throughout. Outside of work, Samantha likes to run and spend time with her two children.
Ciaran
Ciaran Astin
Ciaran Astin
Managing Director
Ciaran joined KGM as Managing Director in 2024 and in 2025 expanded his role to Chief Personal Lines Officer for DUAL UK. Ciaran has over a decade of leadership experience within the motor and home insurance sectors, having previously held senior roles at Hastings Group and Direct Line Group. He was most recently Managing Director of DriveScore, the app-driven motor insurance data business within ClearScore group.
Jim
Jim Barker
Jim Barker
Business Development Executive – South
Jim Barker is the Business Development Executive for the South, dealing with new opportunities as well as maintaining existing relationships. Originally joining KGM in 2005, he spent some years at Canopius before returning to KGM in 2017. Jim has over 35 years experience in the industry having started in High Street Broking, then working at John Holman & Sons and HSBC Insurance Company before joining KGM. Outside of work Jim likes to spend time with his family and play golf.
E: james.barker@kgmus.co.uk
T: 07920 203 001
Jackie
Jackie Oram
Jackie Oram
Business Development Executive – North
Jackie has been looking after KGM’s Midland’s and Northern Brokers since May 2019 having spent 5 previous at Covea Insurance as a Key Account Manager but establishing her career at Zurich back in 2000 with a variety of roles from sales to underwriting but always specialising in Motor Insurance within the Broker market. With over 20 years’ experience Jackie has a wealth of knowledge and connections within the industry and completed her DIP CII qualification. Outside of work Jackie can be found at the gym or relaxing in the garden with a glass of wine when not running around after her 6-year-old boy.
Neil
Neil Manvell
Neil Manvell
Head of Motor
With over 38 years of experience in the Motor Insurance industry, Neil Manvell started at NIG in 1985 and stayed there for 23 years holding various roles at NIG, Churchill and RBS. Neil joined KGM in late 2008 as the Deputy Underwriter and was made Active Underwriter of the KGM Syndicate 260 in 2011. His long association with NIG and now KGM means that he is well known among the broker community, particularly the Specialist Vehicle and Motorcycle markets, where he is a well-respected industry figure. In his spare time Neil is a keen sports fan and is a season ticket holder at both Barnet FC and Saracens. Music is his other passion, regularly attending gigs at venues all over London.
E: neil.manvell@kgmus.co.uk
T: 07872 846 606
Adrian
Adrian Moody
Adrian Moody
Underwriter
Adrian joined KGM in 2023 with over 30 years' experience in the industry in both underwriting and broking positions. Adrian has worked across all wheel based type products and more recently, has been focusing on the Specialist Vehicle environment. Outside of work he enjoys sporting activities and spending time with his one year old Granddaughter.
E: adrian.moody@kgmus.co.uk
T: 0756 457 8434
Alex
Alex Wilcox
Alex Wilcox
Underwriter
Alex Wilcox is Fleet Underwriter at KGM Underwriting Romford, having joined the team in May 2023. Prior to joining KGM, Alex was at Direct Commercial for 12 years and, since 2018, led their specialist Commercial Motor Fleet product Camatics. Having worked within Underwriting, Operations and Claims, Alex brings a wide range of experience and skills to the team. In his spare time, he enjoys the occasional run and trip to the pub.
E: Alex.Wilcox@kgmus.co.uk
T: 0735 567 7391
Ben
Ben Tilson
Ben Tilson
Underwriter
Ben Tilson has been in the business for over 15 years. Ben started at KGM as MC underwriting technician, and after being promoted to deputy MC underwriter moved to the specialist team where he worked his way through the ranks to the Specialist Vehicle underwriter he is today. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching his sons under 14s football team, is a West Ham season ticket holder, and enjoys skiing with his family.
E: ben.tilson@kgmus.co.uk
T: 0778 562 4327
Edward
Edward Smith
Edward Smith
Underwriter
Ed joined KGM as an Underwriter in December 2024 from Markerstudy where he spent 13 years in various roles within the Schemes Underwriting Division and spent the last 6 years of his time there as Head of the Schemes Division. With over three decades of experience in the Motor insurance industry, Ed is a seasoned Motor Insurance Underwriter known for his expertise in non-standard underwriting and is well respected among the Broker community, forging many longstanding relationships over the years. Outside of work Ed is a keen football supporter and is a season ticket holder at Arsenal. Golf and Carp fishing are his other passions.
E: edward.smith@kgmus.co.uk
T: 07702 586122
James
James Pratt
James Pratt
Underwriter
James joined KGM in 2022 and is our Commercial Vehicle Underwriter. James started his career with Landmark Insurance based in Northampton occupying several roles before the business was purchased by LV. He then moved onto High Street brokering for 3 years before settling at NIG for 20 years, underwriting various motor products. Any spare time is spent with family. In his down time you will often find James at the local rugby club where he coaches the juniors.
E: james.pratt@kgmus.co.uk
T: 0787 968 3412
Mark
Mark Leonard
Mark Leonard
Deputy Head of Motor
Mark joined KGM in November 2022, he has over 25 years' of experience in motor underwriting and a qualification from ACII. Previously spent 18 years at Chaucer as Head of Standard Motor and Underwriting Director of Motor MGA. Based in the Romford office, living in Kent, his interests include sailing and cars.
E: mark.leonard@kgmus.co.uk
T: 0781 079 1241
Sam
Sam Marney
Sam Marney
Underwriter
Sam joined KGM in 2014 with experience of classic cars & counter fraud. He has been with KGM for over 10 years working across the business within both modern motor & specialist vehicle teams. He has progressed through the ranks from underwriting technician to Private Car & Private Hire Underwriter. With over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, he has a strong track record of assessing risk and analysing data to make informed decisions. With a deep understanding of the motor insurance market and a commitment to excellence, always striving to deliver exceptional service and drive positive outcomes for both clients and the company.
Outside of work Sam is keen sports fan with interests in boxing, football and is Arsenal supporter.
E: sam.marney@kgmus.co.uk
T: 0755 115 4325
Aurum & Eridge
Matthew
Matthew Webb
Matthew Webb
Head of Aurum Motor
Matthew Webb is responsible for KGM’s High Net Worth motor operation Aurum based in 1 Creechurch Place and Romford. Matthew has been with Aurum for over 10 years helping establish Aurum as one of the most recognisable and trusted insurers in the High Net Worth motor market. Aurum specialise in luxury multi-vehicle policies as well as having a specialist division assisting our broking partners with harder to place risks in the Sports and Entertainment industry.
Prior to joining Aurum, Matthew was with Hiscox for 6 years as UK Underwriting Manager for Hiscox’s High Net Worth motor products. Prior to Hiscox, Matthew spent 5 years as High Net Worth Motor Underwriter at Chubb. Outside of work, Matthew is a FA qualified football coach, coaching in grassroots football.
E: matthew.webb@aurummotor.co.uk
T: 0330 175 6076
John
John Hamilton
John Hamilton
Managing Director - Eridge
John is Managing Director of Eridge Underwriting based in Tunbridge Wells. John formed Eridge Underwriting in 2015 and joined the Howden Group when Eridge were acquired by KGM in May 2022. Prior to setting up Eridge, he begun life in the motor insurance industry over 40 years ago at Renown Motor Policies, before joining The Minster. After a 12 month career break spent traveling, he worked for St Paul UK and then Service Underwriting carrying out various senior roles.
Steve
Steve Howell
Steve Howell
Product & Underwriting Development Manager - Eridge
Steve Howell joined Eridge in 2016 and is the Product and Underwriting Development Manager. He has 20 years’ experience in the industry; having previously working at Towergate, Tesco Underwriting and Service Underwriting.