Emma Rawlinson appointed CEO Markerstudy Distribution as Ian Donaldson and Craig Ball return to Ardonagh

Emma Rawlinson has been promoted to the role of CEO Markerstudy Distribution (subject to customary regulatory approvals), reporting to Markerstudy Group Chief Executive Kevin Spencer.

Ian Donaldson and Craig Ball have rejoined Ardonagh in new roles focussed on building out the digital and AI capabilities across its global platforms, in addition to spearheading the commercial opportunities between Markerstudy and parts of Ardonagh.

Speaking about the move, Kevin Spencer said: “The Atlanta integration programme into Markerstudy Distribution and resulting synergies are well ahead of plan, enabling Ian and Craig to now accept new roles with Ardonagh.”

Under the terms of the Markerstudy/Atlanta deal, Ardonagh retained a minority equity stake in the combined business.

Ardonagh Group CEO David Ross said “this has laid the foundations for a strong, mutually beneficial relationship that has continued to grow and evolve, leading to a seamless transfer of Ian and Craig back to Ardonagh, where they’ll continue to nurture our relationship with Markerstudy and lead on emerging opportunities.”

Kevin continued: “Emma previously led Atlanta as CEO and, as part of our forward planning for this move, she will take charge of the distribution business on the next stage of its growth journey.”

He added: “We are hugely excited by the prospects for our business, and in Emma we have a high calibre leader who can build on Ian and Craig’s work to achieve our ambitious plans for 2025 and beyond.”

Emma joined the insurance industry in a senior strategic role at Swinton in 2018 and was promoted to CFO prior to Swinton being acquired by Ardonagh in 2020 when it became part of Atlanta. She was Ian Donaldson’s CFO at Atlanta from 2020-2021, before being promoted to Atlanta CEO in October 2021. Joining Markerstudy, Emma was COO Distribution, before being promoted to Chief Investment Officer.  

Ian Donaldson said: “Integrating businesses at this scale has been a hard but rewarding task. I’m ready to return to Ardonagh for my next challenge. The UK has pioneered digital insurance transformation, and I’m energised by the opportunity to work with colleagues across Europe, South America and APAC to share everything we have learned.

“I would like to thank my team for their support during this integration phase and wish them all the very best in the go forward.  I will of course remain close to everyone at the group during this next phase.” 

Speaking of her new role, Emma said “The coming together of Markerstudy and Atlanta was a market-shifting monolithic deal! We have been full steam ahead on our integration programme, driving improvements throughout our estate to deliver the best experience and journey for our customers. The tone and pace are set for our ongoing programme of volume, income and profitability. I’m relishing this opportunity to return to my previous role as CEO, and I won’t be leaving any stone unturned in our pursuit of growth and volume aspirations.”