Core teams

Matt Field is the head of group marketing and UK sales for Aventum Group. Matt assists all group businesses with their growth strategies and leads the sales team to build strong relationships with brokers across the UK.

He joined the group in August 2016 to establish a northern office. He has spent 10 years working in sales and marketing roles within the insurance industry, starting at a legal expenses and add-on product intermediary.

If he wasn’t working for Aventum, Matt would probably be travelling Europe watching Liverpool Football Club win more European Cups

.

April Faint is the group marketing manager at Aventum Group.

April joined the group in November 2019 and has worked in marketing within the insurance industry for more than eight years, directing design and marketing for a wide range of brands globally across the insurance sector.

If she wasn’t working at Aventum, April would probably be training to become a cross-fit athlete.

Sonia Roberts is the group design manager at Aventum Group. Sonia manages the creation and design of graphical marketing materials and documentation.

She joined the group in January 2018 as a senior graphic designer, before being promoted to her current role in November 2019. She has over 20 years’ experience as a graphic designer.

When she isn’t working for Aventum, Sonia enjoys spending time with her family and taking her two young children out on day trips

.

Libby Abbotts is the group digital marketing manager at Aventum Group. Her responsibilities include managing most marketing channels, and being involved in organising and planning.

She has worked in marketing mainly since university, working at radio, TV and automation companies across Europe, before joining Aventum in January 2017.

Outside of work Libby’s time is taken up looking after Finley, 6, and Grace, 1, but when she can loves to travel and listen to music.

Andrew Bajcar is a senior digital designer at Aventum Group, responsible for designing the layout of all documentation and marketing materials for the group.

Andrew joined the group in January 2021, having worked in graphic designing or digital designing for the last 18 years.

Outside of work Andrew likes to spent time with his family, and when he gets the chance play football or a round of golf

Rachael Berry is a marketing executive at Aventum Group.

Rachael joined the group in January 2020 to join an innovative and growing team. She has worked in marketing for five years, gaining experience in a range of industries including a global fitness brand and well-known retail company.

If she wasn’t working for Aventum, Rachael would probably be training in the gym to compete in a wide range of challenges, from the UK three peaks to weightlifting competitions

Mark Richardson is a content writer at Aventum Group.

Mark joined the group in December 2020, having worked in the insurance trade press since March 2018. This has included time writing about the UK, London, and global (re)insurance markets.

Outside of work, Mark enjoys socialising with friends, be it at a pub quiz, playing board games, or playing tennis

Kelly Mason is the studio manager in the Aventum Group marketing team, responsible for overseeing and managing the delivery of projects from start to finish.

She joined the group in September 2021, having previously been a graphic designer at Debenhams for five years and at a London design agency for over seven years, much of that time as a creative studio manager.

Outside of work, Kelly is kept busy with two beautiful young girls, but when she gets the time enjoys yoga, and finding a little peace and stillness in her day.

Lee Dumford is managing director at Securus Risk Advisors. His main responsibilities include the day to day running of the company and surveying activities globally, including across Europe, the UK, US, and Australia.

Lee created Securus Risk Advisors in August 2020, having previously been a senior insurance surveyor at SECON. Formerly a fire fighter, Lee is an experienced fire risk consultant, and studied through the Institute of Fire Engineers to attain his knowledge of risk management and fire science.

Outside of work, Lee enjoys playing golf, watching rugby, and spending time with family and friends. He is also a keen road cyclist and gym attendee.

BridBridget Slade is a rural consultant at Securus Risk Advisors, responsible for undertaking risk surveys on farms, rural estates and other rural businesses.get Slade is a rural consultant at Securus Risk Advisors, responsible for undertaking risk surveys on farms, rural estates and other rural businesses.

She joined Securus in September 2021, having previously qualified as a rural surveyor while working on the Elveden Estate. She since spent several years working for NPS across various local authority portfolios, and was most recently a rural consultant with Crawford & Company.

Outside of work, Bridget enjoys family time, farming, gardening, dog walking, country sports, reading, and running Swaffham Army Cadet Detachment

.

David Loomes is a risk control advisor at Securus Risk Advisors, responsible for conducting site surveys at the request of insurers and writing reports based on these surveys. 

David joined Securus in 2020, after 40 years in the electrical security industry. He has worked for major security companies including Abel alarms, ADT and Secom PLC as a subcontracting technical fire, intruder, CCTV and door access engineer, and spent 16 years as MD of his own security company. After forming a second company in 2009, he entered the risk management sector in 2018. 

Outside of work, David enjoys going to the pub, and has for the last year been helping to renovate his eldest son’s first home. He also likes to watch rugby, F1 and football. 

Tom Downs is the chief operating officer (COO) of Aventum Group and is a member of the executive committee and Aventum board.

Tom oversees group operations, including IT, project management, data and system governance, MI (non-accounting) and claims. Prior to joining the group, Tom held various roles at AEGIS London and Canopius Managing Agents.

Tom specialises in business change and transformation, including the implementation of enterprise technology solutions and the management of complex operational projects.

Oral Fuat is the group IT manager at Aventum Group. He is responsible for all IT functions across the group, including the IT Helpdesk, and managing the IT Services team.

Oral joined the group straight from school in August 2013 having always been interested and excited by IT, and was promoted to his current role in February 2021.

If Oral wasn't working for Aventum, you would likely find him playing and watching football, training at the gym, binge watching box sets, eating, or spending time with family and friends.

Natasha Aylen is a Project Portfolio Manager in the Aventum Group Operations team. She is responsible for a varied portfolio of projects, predominantly associated with the digital transformation of the Group.

Natasha has been with the group for five years and previously worked for Ford as a logistics coordinator.

If she wasn’t working for Aventum, Natasha would be a riding instructor, as she is a keen equestrian.

Sam Hayman is an IT support desk assistant at Aventum Group.

Sam joined the group in 2020 as part of the IT support team, having recently graduated from university studying cyber security.

Sam has always had a passion for IT systems, but outside of work he enjoys playing games, going to the gym and seeing live bands

.

James Woodhouse is a business analyst at Aventum Group. James is responsible for delivering change across the group through project delivery as part of the operations team.

James joined the group in July 2019, having previously spent four years heading a claims team at a motor-focused legal practice. Before that he was part of the merger and acquisitions team at BNY Mellon in Manchester.

Outside of work, James used to be qualified to SCUBA dive, and has also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for charity.

Alisha Preedy is the group facilities manager for Aventum Group. Her responsibilities cover the day-to-day management of the group’s facilities, including health and safety, security, and maintenance of the buildings (including all office appliances), as well as greeting people at reception in the London office.

Alisha joined Aventum in 2019, having previously worked as a corporate receptionist for an office service company with over five years’ experience in the corporate industry.

When Alisha’s not working she enjoys socialising with friends and travelling the world.

Adam Broom is head of product development at iFarm Underwriting and across the Aventum Group.

He joined the group in 2015 as a product developer, responsible for building and managing the online quote & bind solutions. Following the success of this rollout, and the launch of Aventum, he now manages the development of online quote & bind solutions across the Group, and expanding the product suite.

Outside of work, Adam is kept busy by his wife and two daughters. When not playing daddy, he enjoys Thai boxing, hiking and gaming

.

Alex Curme is a senior finance project manager at Aventum, responsible for working on projects within the finance function that will help support the group as it continues to grow.

He joined the Group in February 2022, having previously spent five years as an auditor at Deloitte, specialising in all types of insurance companies, followed by three years at MGA Ensurance, where he was head of finance.

Outside of work, Alex plays a lot of football. He also recently became a father for the first time, which takes up a lot of spare hours!

David Hayden is a product developer at Aventum Group, responsible for investigating and fixing any reported platform issues, the development of new products, and maintenance/enhancements to existing products.
He joined the Group in March 2022, having previously been a civil engineering consultant, working primarily for clients based in Melbourne, where he lived for a time. In 2019 he started studying software development, and following an internship with JRI-America and time as a web developer, joined Aventum.
Outside of work, David enjoys family time with his wife and daughter, going to the gym, fishing, hiking, watching rugby, and walking pet Labrador Cali.

Dee Gurkan is a project business analyst in the Aventum Operations team, responsible for working on implementing the Operations/IT strategy, and Target Operating Model (TOM).

She joined Aventum in June 2021, having previously spent almost nine years at AIG in various different roles, the last four of which in the operations realm as a business analyst.

Outside of work, Dee regularly plays tennis.

James Fairgrieve is the change delivery manager at Aventum, responsible for the end-to-end management of change programmes and projects, and ensuring they are delivered to a high quality.

He joined the group full-time in August 2021, having worked on freelance basis for Aventum since February 2021. Since 2006 he has been a contractor implementing IT systems and business change initiatives, specialising in the London insurance market from 2010.

Outside of work, James has three kids, and loves to get out into nature, describing himself as a ‘bit of a tree-hugger’. He is also a qualified master scuba diver.

James Wilson is the group operations manager at Aventum, responsible for the day to day management of all the MGA and broking administration teams, and helping the group’s people with their growth and wellbeing.

He joined the group in July 2021, having previously spent nine years at Swiss Re working in various UK Strategy and Operations roles.

Outside of work, James is a Mamil (Middle Aged Man in Lycra), and likes to cycle when the weather is good, whether it be on a road or mountain bike.

Joanne Lambe is a product development manager, responsible for the digital transformation of Rokstone’s existing products and leading the development of new digital products.

She joined the Group in February 2022, having previously spent nine years at Simply Business, where she worked as technical MGA manager. Her first underwriting job was as a package underwriter at Ecclesiastical, before moving to Aviva in 2001 where she worked on complex commercial risks.

Outside of work, Jo is a bit of a foodie, and loves cooking and eating out.

Ravi Vusika is an MI developer at Aventum Group, responsible for expanding the group’s management information capabilities to help achieve corporate goals.

Ravi joined Aventum in May 2021, having previously worked as a business intelligence developer and designed and developed business intelligence projects.

Outside of work, Ravi does yoga at least three times a week, and enjoys watching and playing cricket.

Keith Anderson is the chief financial officer at Aventum Group and a member of the executive committee. With ownership of the financial matters of the group, his responsibilities include developing and enhancing financial control, FP&A and treasury capabilities.

Prior to joining Aventum, Keith was the UK chief financial officer for Integro. Keith is an experienced financial and strategic leader having operated at board level within private as well as public global businesses in the insurance sector. Previously he was group finance director at United Insurance Brokers, chief financial officer at Aon Risk Services UK, CFO at Willis Global Specialties, and divisional FD at GE Insurance.

Keith began his career with Price Waterhouse Coopers, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant, and holds a BA (Hons) degree from the University of Nottingham.

Canan Oral is the director of financial operations at Aventum Group.

She joined Aventum in 2005 when it was a small retail broker as an accounts administrator and was appointed finance director in 2007 after a successful couple of years of growth within the company.

Over the years Canan has developed and built a successful IBA team, which now control £500m of GWP. Acting as client money manager, she has ensured operational compliance with CASS and client money, reporting to the board. She has ownership of all insurance ledger controls including bank recs and segregation of duties.

Charlette Newland is the accounts manager for Consilium, Aura, and Rokstone. Her responsibilities are to oversee her hard-working team and ensure the smooth running of the department.

Charlette joined the group in 2014 where she started in the accounts department with just two staff members and has watched the company go from strength to strength, now supporting a department of over 10 members.

Outside of work, Charlette enjoys making the most of her home life with her two children, from exploring quiet nature parks to the adrenaline rush of different theme parks.

James Donohoe is a project accountant at Aventum Group.

He joined the group in January 2021.

Kerry Hurst is an Account Manager in the Aventum Group finance team. Kerry is responsible for the credit control of Aura and Consilium, collecting and paying premiums.

Kerry has worked in insurance for 12 years and also spent five years working in schools before training as a teacher. She has since returned to insurance as that’s where she feels she can thrive. Her experience in the insurance sector includes working for Aon, Xchanging, Arch and Antares Managing Agency. Most of her experience has been within credit control, but she also has experience as a reinsurance technician.

If Kerry wasn't working for Aventum, you would find her at air shows. She once worked towards her private pilot’s license before settling down with her family.

Lisa Bannister-Kinsella is a senior credit controller in the Aventum Group finance team. She is responsible for the prompt collection of premiums and for improving the processes used across the full range of group services.

Lisa joined Aventum after being out of the work environment for four years. She started working two days a week part-time, and is now a full-time member of the team.

Outside of work, Lisa has eight-year-old twins that keep her very busy

Naomi Louguet is a finance analyst at Aventum Group, responsible for the group’s financial analysis and management reporting.

She joined Aventum in February 2021, having previously spent six years in the food and beverage industry, mainly in luxury spirits. This is Naomi’s first job in the insurance sector.

Outside of work, Naomi enjoys “Come Dine With Me” inspired evenings, producing three-course meals around specific themes.

Paul Lever is head of financial planning and analysis at Aventum Group. Paul is responsible for helping the board and business units with forecasting, planning and performance monitoring.

He joined the group in December 2020, joining from Tysers Insurance Brokers where he spent four years building out the FP&A function. He also has operational and strategic advisory experience within financial services after five years as a consultant in the performance consulting team at Aon. Paul is a Chartered Accountant trained at Ernst & Young London.

Outside of work, Paul has travelled extensively in Asia and Latin America; and spent two years in Osaka, Japan, as a language tutor.

Pearly Ng is the group financial controller at Aventum Group.

Pearly joined the group in December 2020. She began her career at KPMG Birmingham before transferring to the London office. She then spent six years at DUAL (part of the Howden Group) leading the finance transformation project for the MGA business. Most recently, she was at Pine Walk Capital where she helped set up the finance function. She qualified as a chartered accountant in England and Wales in 2009.

If she wasn’t working for Aventum, Pearly would be travelling the world.

Rowena Jordan is an accounts administrator at Aventum Group. Rowena is responsible for credit control, collecting and allocating payments, and reconciling insurer statements.

She is Cert CII qualified and has over 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry. Rowena joined Aventum in 2006 as a client account handler in the retail division, before changing roles in 2018 to join the accounts department.

Outside of work, she likes to relax with a good book, her cat, and some loud heavy metal music.

Sarah Stone is an accounts administrator at Aventum Group. She works in the credit control department across Consilium and is responsible for monitoring aged debt and liaising with brokers and account executives to keep this to a minimum. 

Sarah joined the company with no experience in the insurance market, but has thrived by taking advantage of the opportunity to learn and grow with the business.

Outside of work she enjoys spending her time cooking and being creative with her husband and children, and then likes to wind down doing yoga or pilates classes.

Argee Santillan is a senior group reporting manager in the finance team at Aventum, responsible for preparation of the monthly consolidated accounts for international entities and ownership of the group’s statutory reporting and compliance obligations.

He joined the group in January 2022, having previously spent three years as an audit manager at PKF Littlejohn. He has worked in audit for over 11 years, which has included time at KPMG and PwC.
Outside of work, Argee goes to the gym three times a week, and enjoys going to the cinema with friends at the weekend.

Brooke Howard is an accounts administrator for Aventum.

She joined Aventum in June 2021 having previously spent three years at Compass London Markets, beginning as a receptionist and then progressing into the IBA and technical team.

Outside of work, Brooke is into her fitness, regularly going to the gym. Having previously been a lifeguard, she also enjoys swimming.

Darren Emile is a finance manager at Aventum Group, responsible for overseeing the group payable function.

He joined the group in May 2021, having previously worked in the finance department for a general insurance company.

Whenever possible Darren likes to go to music events, and in his spare time also likes going to the gym, watching football, and reading a good novel.

Mark Gibson is a senior finance project manager at Aventum Group, responsible for assisting in shaping the finance function.
He joined the Group in March 2022, having previously spent two and a half years at Shepherd Compello Ltd, two and a half years at Crispin Speers & Partners Ltd, and nine years at PKF Littlejohn.
Outside of work, Mark spends too much time with his true love…golf!

Simon Piggott is the chief risk officer at Aventum Group.

He started at Aventum in February 1998 and since then has had various managerial positions in operations and IT, claims, and compliance, to assist the business in reaching its goals.

He is a diligent and conscientious risk and compliance professional with extensive experience in and oversight of, the company governance, information security, regulatory compliance, insurance and operational risk.

Simon is experienced in translating regulatory and legislative requirements into practical working processes and solutions, and therefore protecting and managing aspects of risk to the organisation, its employees, clients, reputation, assets and interests of stakeholders.

Grant Peters is the head of compliance for Aventum Group. He is responsible for the group’s regulatory compliance framework, systems and controls, with his main responsibility to ensure the UK entities within the group comply with relevant regulatory and legislative requirements. He also supports the international firms in ensuring a consistent compliance structure is implemented across the wider group.

Grant is an experienced compliance professional well versed in general insurance regulation, and skilled in the design, creation and implementation of an effective and pragmatic compliance infrastructure. He has provided consultancy support to a plethora of firms within the general insurance space of differing sizes and structures. This includes recognised insurers and intermediaries, MGAs, consumer credit firms, ‘household name’ car manufacturers and firms in the insurtech arena.

When Grant isn’t working for Aventum, you can find him glued to the screen as he is an avid gamer.

Lawrenceia Osei is a compliance officer at Aventum Group. Lawrenceia is responsible for supporting the head of compliance and the rest of the compliance department in ensuring that Aventum complies with all relevant regulations and legislations.

Lawrenceia has previously worked for various brokerage firms of different sizes and has managed to develop and progress her career at Aventum.

When she isn’t working for Aventum, you would likely find her enjoying and indulging in a variety of cuisines as she is a committed foodie.

Louise Fox is a compliance officer at Aventum Group. Louise is responsible for ensuring that the group has suitable internal controls in place to meet regulatory requirements.

She joined the group in December 2020 from Price Forbes, where she was predominantly responsible for building a compliance framework for their overseas entities and supporting the UK wholesale business with any risk or regulatory issues. Prior to this, Louise held positions at brokers including AJG and JLT and began her career as a tax accountant at KPMG.

When she isn’t working for Aventum, Louise enjoys try to wear out her young puppy, and, being a northerner, is known to enjoy a side of gravy with every meal.

Justine Peters is a compliance administrator at Aventum Group, responsible for dealing with compliance mail box queries.

She joined the group in April 2021, having previously spent 30 years in the motor insurance industry, working in admin, agency, claims, projects, acquisitions, and compliance.

Outside of work Justine likes to meet up with family and friends, and also enjoys reading, and art/crafting.

Eleftheria Papadopoulou is a compliance monitoring analyst at Aventum, responsible for Group companies comply with all the relevant regulations and legislation.

She joined the Group in February 2022, having previously started her career as an actress in theatre, cinema and advertisements in Greece. Since coming to London to study law, she changed focus and worked at a risk consultancy company.

Outside of work Eleftheria likes Pilates, and exploring the English countryside by hiking long-distance trails. However, her favourite activity is playing and learning new moves in chess.

Shafeek Alyas is a senior compliance officer at Aventum Group responsible for ensuring staff and customers do business compliantly.

He joined the group in April 2021, having spent over decades in the risk and compliance space. This included roles at brokers Marsh and Simply Business, as well as several UK banks.

Outside of work Shafeek enjoys gardening, as well as watching football, films and travelling.

Neil Milner is the chief people officer at Aventum Group.

Neil has over 24 years’ experience in the London insurance market, and first joined Aventum in December 2006 as a broking and development manager. His first responsibility was to act as broker for the first London market lineslip the group placed. He has held various roles with the company since then including commercial director, managing director of Consilium’s UK business, and group operations director.

In March 2020 Neil was appointed chief people officer and is currently tasked with developing a first class human resource team to ensure we attract, retain and develop top talent, while also ensuring we have state of the art office and remote working facilities in place.

Jonathan Sparham is a HR officer at Aventum Group. He supports the HR team and wider business, with a focus on HR processes and operations.

Jonathan joined the group in March 2021, having previously spent eight years in the insurance sector working for Arthur J Gallagher, Tokio Marine HCC and Novae Group in a variety of HR roles with an operations bias. Before insurance, he worked for American Express, Unilever and Procter and Gamble in a variety of roles.

Outside of work, apart from spending time with his 11-year-old daughter, Jonathan’s passion is competing in dog agility. He also enjoys watching rugby and trying to play tennis.

Cosmina Pircalabescu is a HR co-coordinator at Aventum Group. She is responsible for developing HR business processes, change management, leave and absence management, overseeing HR communication and recruitment management.

Cosmina joined the group in October 2020 and has four years of progressive experience working in medium-sized to large companies. She has extensive experience in a wide range of human resources specialities including but not limited to employment law, employee relations and engagement, training and development, professional development and performance management.

Outside of work Cosmina enjoys spending time in the outdoors with family and friends. Other hobbies include travelling, foreign languages and reading self-development books.

Demi Starck is a human resources coordinator at Aventum Group. She provides support to employees, covering the entire employee life cycle, including on-boarding, employee relations, HR administration, compensation and benefits.

Demi brings six years of experience in a variety of HR functional areas. Prior to joining the group, Demi worked as a HR supervisor and PA in the travel industry.

Demi is recently finished studying her CIPD Intermediate Diploma in HR Management.

Ali Foroshani is the talent acquisition manager at Aventum Group, responsible for attracting and recruiting for all vacancies in the group.

Ali joined the group in April 2021 having previously spent three years in a similar role at Lockton Companies LLP. He has spent most of his career recruiting for agencies specialising in insurance.

Outside of work Ali mainly spends time with family and friends. He tries to get out on his bike as much as possible and has recently started taking his son to mini rugby.

James Fewtrell is the corporate wellbeing officer at Aventum Group, responsible for physically training staff members in personal and virtual sessions, and giving them general health and wellbeing advice.

He joined the group in May 2021, having previously been working in gyms since 2008, instructing, teaching classes, personal training and managing.

Outside of work James enjoys sport – watching, participating in it physically, or playing it on the PS4.