Open GI Appoints Former Aviva Executive James Barnard as Group CEO to Drive AI Transformation

Open GI has appointed James Barnard as Group CEO to lead the organisation through its next phase of growth and transformation.

In his new role, James will be responsible for building on Open GI’s established market position, industry expertise and longstanding customer relationships. He will also oversee the continued development of the company’s proposition as Open GI seeks to deliver further value for brokers and support their changing technology requirements.

Having joined from Aviva where he was Chief Operations Officer of Aviva General Insurance, James has held a range of senior technology and operations roles at Aviva as well as at Ardonagh. He brings significant leadership experience and a strong track record of building successful businesses and high-performing teams with an approach that focuses on customers, people and innovation across the board.

Commenting on his arrival, Peter Thompson, Group Chair of Open GI, said:

“We are delighted that James has decided to bring his considerable experience of leading transformational change to Open GI.

“For nearly 50 years, Open GI has been connecting brokers and insurers with the wider insurance ecosystem and in that time, our proposition has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the market.

“We have embarked on a major transformation of the business and our platform offering, ensuring we can continue to adapt to the rapidly changing needs of the insurance sector and the growing pace and adoption of AI across the broker and insurer landscape. I am convinced James is the right person to lead Open GI into the future.”

James Barnard added:

“I’ve worked closely with Open GI throughout my career, and I understand the system, its capabilities and its limitations, but what attracted me most to the position was the possibilities that still lie ahead for Open GI and its partners.

“My priority over the coming weeks is to meet as many colleagues as possible across the business and to engage with brokers, insurers and partners as we begin to articulate the exciting future they can expect with Open GI.

“I’m delighted to be here, and I look forward to leading the business towards the next 50 years of innovation and success.”