Placing a Head of Corporate Development

Our client required a Head of Corporate Development to lead its M&A strategy and execution. The role would be responsible for sourcing and executing acquisitions, building relationships with agency owners and intermediaries, and helping scale the company through disciplined inorganic growth. Several factors made the search complex: New role creation - This was the first dedicated corporate development leader within the organisation. The successful candidate would need to build the function from scratch whilst working closely with the executive team and private equity sponsor. Highly specialised industry knowledge - The role required deep familiarity with the insurance distribution landscape, including agency valuation, deal structures, and relationships within the independent agency ecosystem. Competitive talent market - Experienced M&A professionals with direct insurance distribution expertise are limited and highly sought after, particularly by PE-backed broker platforms. Growth-driven timeline - Hanover was engaged to identify and deliver a candidate capable of operating at both the strategic and execution level in a fast-moving, sponsor-backed environment.

Hanover delivered a search that resulted in the appointment of a proven insurance M&A leader, giving the client the leadership capability to support its acquisition agenda and strengthen the platform for continued expansion. The client operates within the independent agency network and insurance distribution ecosystem, supporting agencies through carrier access, operational support, and growth resources. The company is in an active growth phase and pursuing an ambitious acquisition strategy to expand its national footprint.

Having successfully placed the Head of Corporate Development, the client was able to establish a dedicated M&A function to support its long-term growth strategy. Since joining the organisation, the candidate has played a key role in helping the company: Build a structured pipeline of acquisition opportunities, Strengthen relationships across the independent agency market, Support the company's national expansion strategy. The appointment provided the client with a senior leader capable of driving deal flow and executing transactions in a competitive consolidation market.