Digital insurance distributor ATEC Group, which trades under the brand names of Ceta Insurance, Arkel Underwriting and InsureMy, has appointed Brendan Devine as chief executive.

Devine (pictured), who was founder and CEO of web-based motor insurance broker, Sure Thing!, has a background in expanding businesses in the UK and Ireland, including GE Money Motor Finance and Kwik Fit Insurance.

Prior to establishing Sure Thing!, which grew over five years to 100,000 policyholders and £40m GWP, Devine was group managing director of Kwik Fit Financial Services, a business backed by private equity firm, PAI Partners, which was sold for £215m to Fortis (now Ageas).

He joins ATEC Group following the founder transition in 2017 through a private equity buyout of Ceta Insurance by Kester Capital. ATEC Group was formed to hold Ceta Insurance and InsureMy, as well as Arkel Underwriting, an MGA which was established in 2018.

He replaces John Bibby, a member of the original management buy-in (MBI) team, who has stepped down from the business but remains a shareholder.

Devine is tasked with further accelerating growth in the ‘digital first’ business.

Devine said: “I am really excited to be joining ATEC at this pivotal moment, and I’m looking forward to working with a talented team of people to drive accelerated growth in the business and help ATEC realise its potential. Now, more than any other time, people want to safeguard what is important to them.

“ATEC understands what is valuable to our clients and our brokers and has developed a remarkable set of products and solutions to ensure they are correctly protected.”

Cameron Crockett, managing partner of Kester Capital added: “Brendan is a highly experienced chief executive with a strong track record of delivering growth, and we are delighted to have secured him as CEO to take the Group through the exciting next stage of its journey.”