Hood Group appoints new chief executive

Hood Group has appointed Paul Paddock as its new chief executive.

Paddock joins the business with extensive experience across insurance, product development and pricing, most recently serving as interim chief executive at Post Office Insurance.

Prior to that role, he held the positions of deputy chief executive and director of product and pricing, playing a key role in shaping the insurer’s proposition and growth strategy.

Before joining Post Office Insurance, Paddock spent a decade at Holiday Extras, where he held a number of senior roles focused on insurance, pricing and product development, including head of insurance.

Speaking about taking on his new role at Hood Group, Paddock said: “I am delighted to be joining Hood Group at such an important point in its journey. The business has built an impressive reputation over four decades, with strong relationships across the affinity and partnership market and a clear commitment to delivering great outcomes for partners and customers.

“I look forward to working with the team to build on those foundations, develop our capabilities and identify new opportunities for sustainable growth.”

Succession

Paddock succeeds Simon Hood, who stepped down as chief executive last year and moved into a non executive director position. The business has also strengthened its leadership team through the appointments of Gary Duggan as interim executive chairman and Paul Pestell as chief financial officer.

Hood Group said the appointment of Paddock reflects its continuing investment in technology, data and customer service capabilities as it seeks to build on its position within the affinity insurance market.

Duggan said: ”His background at Post Office Insurance and Holiday Extras makes him well placed to lead Hood Group as we enter our next phase of growth.

“Hood Group has a strong platform, talented people and trusted partnerships across the market. I am delighted to welcome Paddock to the team as we continue to strengthen the business and deliver greater value for our partners and their customers.”