Manchester scaleup Ripe has appointed Alan Thomas, the former UK CEO at Simply Business, as its new CEO.
Thomas succeeds Paul Williams who, after almost eight years as CEO, is moving to a non-executive director role. Founder and managing director John Woosey will also move to a NED role.
Following 15 years of double-digit growth, both executives will transition to advisory roles to continue supporting the business. Ripe now serves over 360,000 policyholders with hyper-targeted insurance solutions across 20 different products.
The company, which featured on our InsurTech 50 ranking again late last year, is rapidly expanding its footprint in personal and commercial lines after private equity firm Aquiline Capital Partners LP acquired a majority stake in the company in 2022.
The appointment is the second major addition in recent months after Jamie Richards joined the organisation as head of M&A. That followed its first acquisition, Craftinsure, last year.
Having been instrumental in shaping Simply Business’ strategic direction and enhancing its position as a leading insurance provider for landlords and small businesses, Thomas brings significant industry experience to Ripe, which delivered 17% year-on-year growth across its SME, leisure and lifestyle product portfolio in its last set of results.
“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,” said Thomas.
“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.”
Williams said: “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.”
Chair Laurel Powers-Freeling said: “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.”