About this role
The Head of Independent Distribution Partners is responsible for formulating and executing the Company's distribution and partnership strategy through independent distribution channels. The role focuses on driving profitable growth, expanding market reach, developing strategic partnerships, and strengthening relationships with agents, brokers and other external distribution networks while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and corporate governance standards.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Distribution Strategy & Business Growth
- Develop and execute the Company's Independent Distribution Partner strategy (Agents, Brokers, Dealers and Branch networks) in alignment with corporate objectives.
- Drive sustainable growth across agency, brokers, dealers, and strategic partner channels.
- Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities, emerging markets, and innovative distribution models.
- Establish annual business plans, sales targets, and growth initiatives for all partner channels.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer insights to strengthen competitive positioning.
Broker & Partnership Management
- Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with insurance agents, brokers, dealers, and corporate partners.
- Negotiate commercial agreements and partnership arrangements to maximize mutual value.
- Develop strategic collaboration initiatives to enhance partners’ productivity and business growth.
- Drive partners’ engagement, retention, and long-term relationship management.
New Business Development
- Lead the acquisition of new strategic partnerships and distribution opportunities, including new agents and brokers for recruitment.
- Develop innovative insurance solutions with partners to penetrate new customer segments.
- Identify opportunities for cross-selling, bundled products, and ecosystem partnerships.
- Collaborate with product teams to develop partner-specific insurance propositions.
Revenue, Profitability & Performance Management
- Own and deliver annual Gross Written Premium (GWP), New Business Premium (NBP), Revenue, and Profitability targets.
- Establish performance metrics and scorecards for partner channels.
- Monitor business performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.
- Ensure the optimization of acquisition costs and channel profitability.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Governance
- Ensure all distribution activities comply with OIC regulations and applicable insurance laws.
- Maintain effective controls over partner onboarding, due diligence, and governance processes.
- Work closely with Compliance, Legal, Risk Management, and Internal Audit functions.
- Oversee distribution of conduct risk and partner-related reputational risks.
Customer & Partner Experience
- Improve end-to-end partner experience and operational efficiency.
- Enhance partners’ acquisition, retention, and service quality through partner networks.
Leadership & Organizational Development
- Lead and develop high-performing distribution teams.
- Foster a culture of accountability, customer centricity, collaboration, and innovation.
- Develop leadership succession plans and talent pipelines within the function.
- Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and contribute to overall business strategy.
- 15+ years of experience in Insurance, Financial Services, Distribution Management, or Business Development.
- Minimum of 10 years in senior leadership positions.
- Strong experience in agent, broker management, affinity business, partnership development, and corporate business.
- Deep understanding of insurance regulations and market dynamics.
- Proven track record in driving profitable growth and strategic partnerships.