21st January 2015 Brightside appoints Chief Information Officer

Brightside Group has today announced the appointment of James Fairhurst as Chief
Information Officer (CIO).
James joins Brightside from Hastings Insurance Services Limited where he held the position of CIO for almost six years and was part of the senior leadership team involved in the management buyout in 2009
In the top 25 CIO's ranked by CIO Magazine, James has a multi award winning track record of leading senior management to deliver results through periods of rapid corporate growth and change.
Commenting on the appointment, Andrew Wallin, CEO said "The technology we use is fundamental to our success and the capability of our IT systems is crucial to the stability of our business, as a result, we are committed to investing in our infrastructure.
This investment will ensure Brightside is able to deliver its ambitious growth plans and provide an exceptional experience for our customers. I am delighted, therefore to welcome James Fairhurst whose appointment as Chief Information Officer (CIO) further strengthens Brightside's management team. I am confident that he will help us to swiftly develop a future proof platform capable of adding real value to the business."
James Fairhurst added "I'm really pleased to be joining Brightside at such an exciting time in its journey. The commitment to achieving excellence and the clear intention to invest in the Group's future that Andrew and his team has, is what attracted me to Brightside. I am looking forward to developing an infrastructure that we can all be proud of. "

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Notes to Editors

Brightside Group is a top 20 UK insurance broker with a history of rapid growth. The Group delivers market-leading and specialist insurance solutions to individuals and businesses across the UK, both online, directly through its websites and via leading comparison sites, and offline, through its UK call centres.

The Group's insurance products are distributed through its own brands, which include One Insurance Solution, Commercial Vehicle Direct and eCar Insurance, and also through its Affinity Partners. These partnerships enable Brightside to develop fully white labelled insurance products with well-known brands, including ASDA, which generate new income streams by bringing together the insurance expertise of the Group and the brand loyalty of its partners. Brightside's core insurance broking business is supported by its premium finance, medical reporting and lead generation services.

The Group's success has come as a result of the unique blend of innovative use of technology and high performing industry experts who work within the business. With the aim of becoming the insurance broker of choice for customers, the service provider of choice for insurers and the employer of choice in the industry, Brightside remains focused on commercial growth and outstanding customer service.

CONTACTS Brightside Group Press Office

Annette Read +44 (0)1454 63 5742

www.brightsidegroup.co.uk

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