InsurTech Open GI has appointed James Barnard as group CEO.
The transition, to take place in the coming weeks, will see Simon Badley take up an advisory position.
“This is the right time for me to step back and for the business to move forward with leadership focused on that next chapter,” said Badley, who joined the Worcester firm in 2019.
Barnard joins Open GI from Aviva General Insurance, where he most recently served as its COO, leading a team of over 1,500 and accountable for technology, transformation and change delivery of the largest general insurance business in the UK.
He previously held numerous senior roles of increasing responsibility within the broader Aviva business and served at the Ardonagh Group, latterly as COO leading the CIO, CISO, transformation and other key operational functions.
The leadership transition comes as Open GI enters its next chapter of growth, having secured new capital from its majority shareholder in 2025 and initiated a strategic plan focused on offering advanced technology solutions, talent acquisition and development, and superior customer service.
“On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome James, a highly regarded and proven leader, to Open GI following a robust search process,” said Peter Thompson, chair of Open GI.
“With deep sector expertise and a strong background in technological transformation and talent development, James is well-positioned to lead Open GI through its exciting new chapter of growth focused on R&D, data, GenAI, people and our customers.”
Barnard said: “I am thrilled to join Open GI, a company I have long admired, at such a pivotal and exciting time in its growth journey.
“Open GI benefits from a strong suite of technological capabilities, a loyal and quality customer base, and an experienced leadership team.
“As the sector continues to evolve rapidly, Open GI is on a strong footing to capitalise on the opportunity set and solidify its market leadership.”