November 2 2026
Aviva's Managing Director, UK Commercial and Chief Distribution Officer to lead the international insurance intermediary group's next phase of organic growth
London, 2 November 2026: PIB Group today announces the appointment of David Martin as Group Chief Executive Officer. David joins from Aviva, where he is Managing Director, UK Commercial and Chief Distribution Officer, and will take up the role in early 2027.
David has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He started his career as an apprentice in personal motor before progressing through a wide range of senior leadership roles, including Head of Retail Management at Zurich, where he was responsible for Personal Lines, Direct, Digital and Mid Commercial businesses. He joined Aviva in 2023 and sits on its UK General Insurance Executive Committee, leading the strategic direction of distribution and profitable growth across its Digital SME and Mid-Market businesses.
At Aviva, David has championed closer partnerships with brokers, regional decision-making and better use of digital capability and data to make it easier for brokers and customers to do business. That experience fits PIB Group's strategy, which puts organic growth first across its businesses and markets, alongside a more selective approach to acquisitions.
PIB Group's next phase
Since launching in 2015, PIB Group has grown into one of Europe's leading independent insurance intermediary groups. It brings together specialist broking, MGA, London Market and programme businesses, including Acquinex, Barbon, Citynet and Guest Krieger, alongside regional broking businesses across the UK, Ireland and continental Europe.
The Group is now focused on its next phase of growth, with organic growth as the priority and a more selective, value-focused approach to acquisitions. Over the coming years, the Group's priorities include advisory-led growth through cross-selling and upselling, getting more value from its existing platform, and greater collaboration across its businesses and markets.
David's experience in distribution, broker partnerships and profitable organic growth makes him well placed to lead the Group through this phase.
Until David joins, PIB Group will continue to be led by its Office of the CEO: Jo Payne, Chief People Officer; Alastair Hay, Chief Financial Officer; Rob Houghton, Chief Operating Officer; Carl McMillan, General Counsel; and Ryan Brown, Chief Growth Officer. Brendan McManus, founder of PIB Group, continues as Chairman.
Brendan McManus, Chairman of PIB Group, said: "David knows the broker market inside out. He has spent his career working with brokers and building businesses that grow because they serve customers well, and that's exactly what PIB Group needs for its next chapter. I'm delighted to welcome him and look forward to working closely with him."
David Martin, incoming Group Chief Executive Officer of PIB Group, said: "PIB Group has built something unique: a group of specialist, entrepreneurial businesses with real scale across Europe. I've spent much of my career working alongside brokers, and I'm excited to now lead one of the most ambitious groups in the market. I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues, clients and partners and building on the strong foundations already in place."
-ENDS-
Media enquiries: Vested, pib@fullyvested.com
About PIB Group
Backed by world-leading private equity firms Apax Funds and The Carlyle Group, PIB Group is an international insurance intermediary group. PIB Group is the home for insurance entrepreneurs, collectively creating bold, forward-thinking solutions that exceed client expectations. Launched in 2015, PIB is focused on being the best for its clients, its communities and its investors.
PIB Group offers a range of specialist teams, products and services to clients and has offices throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Romania, Portugal and France.
For more information, visit www.pibgroup.co.uk