New leader appointed for growing Insurance and Longevity team

Bringing 25 years of experience to the role, Kim Durniat has been appointed as the new Business Area Leader for our Insurance and Longevity consulting team.

Kim has been with BW since 2008, and her track record will be instrumental in helping clients capitalise on the market opportunities of today’s fast moving insurance sector.

Kim replaces Scott Eason, whose appointment as one of four new Managing Partners at BW was announced this month. As new Business Area Leader, Kim will be responsible for further strengthening BW’s client first strategy in the insurance space and working with Scott to extend the consultancy’s footprint in both the Life and GI markets. 

The move comes at a pivotal time for the insurance industry where economic uncertainty, technological advances, the impact of regulatory changes and the growing prevalence of bulk annuity deals are reshaping the market. This seismic shift is prompting high demand for BW’s insurance and longevity consultancy services and has resulted in over 30% growth in 2023. Designed as a “one stop shop” for insurance companies, Kim’s team has earned wide recognition for the quality of their work handling a range of actuarial and risk projects and is well placed to target more high value business with Kim at the helm. 

Speaking on her new appointment, Kim said: "Taking over an area that has seen substantial growth under Scott’s leadership is exciting. The insurance market is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transfer of pension scheme assets and obligations to insurance companies. We are supporting an increasing number of new entrants to the UK market, as well as helping clients navigate technology innovations and regulatory reforms. We are well-positioned to drive growth and build insurers’ success."

Scott Eason, Managing Partner at Barnett Waddingham said: “Kim’s appointment reflects her outstanding work and leadership. Barnett Waddingham is now established as a leading consultancy in the UK insurance and longevity market.  Under her guidance, the Insurance and Longevity team will continue to thrive within the BW culture, delivering the highest quality services to our clients in an ever-evolving market. With Kim at the helm, I am extremely confident about the future.”