Management team
Merlin’s management team consists of talented and experienced people of vision who bring considerable knowledge and expertise to the business. They are totally committed to delivering on our promises and as our client; you are always welcome to give them a call.
- Richard Webster, Chief Executive Officer
- Keith Broom, Chief Financial Officer
- Russell Crewe, Regional Operations Director
- John Watson, Director Contractor & Surveying Services
- Ian Maudsley, IT & Project Director
- Gill Fletcher, HR Director
- Kevin Wood, Chief Technical Officer
- Richard Shanks, Service Centre Director
- Alex Kilpatrick, Client Development Director
Richard Webster, Chief Executive Officer
Richard Webster is the Chief Executive Officer of the Merlin Group. Richard joined as CEO in January 2008 prior to which he held the position of Chief Executive Officer for credit insurers Euler Hermes, which is a subsidiary of insurance group Allianz..
Starting his career as a chartered engineer, Richard has more than 20 years experience in a number of industries, including senior director roles in Amey Plc and Westinghouse. During his career, he has focused on the development and growth of businesses, demonstrating strong strategic skills and has a track record of successfully leading and improving the performance of companies. He has excellent analytical and problem solving skills, a strong commercial acumen, and sound financial knowledge.
Richard is also a Chartered Director and has an MBA from Manchester Business School.
Keith Broom, Chief Financial Officer
Keith Broom the Chief Financial Officer of the Merlin Group, is responsible for financial strategy, policies, reporting, planning, and control for the Group. Keith joined Merlin in January 2008 prior to which he was CFO for parcel delivery company Target Express.
With over 14 year’s experience as a CFO, all in a private equity environment, Keith has enjoyed a successful and varied career spanning a number of different industries. He started his career in engineering before moving into finance where he has spent 22 years working his way up through the finance functions to CFO.
Russell Crewe, Regional Operations Director
Russell Crewe joined Ashworth Mairs Group (Now Merlin) in 1996 and following the management buy-out in 2005, he was appointed to the post of Director of Operations. In 2008, he took up the role of Director Supply Chain Operations, moving to his current role in January 2009. His role is to manage the branch networks within the Group, which covers adjusting and surveying services.
Russell trained as a building surveyor, and joined GAB Robins in 1989 where he worked as a loss adjuster predominantly on commercial claims.
John Watson, Director Contractor Services
John Watson is Merlin’s Director of Contractor Services, with responsibility for the delivery of all Merlin’s fulfilment services, which are an integral part of Merlin’s Total Claims Management Solution.
John, a Chartered Surveyor by profession has substantial experience in building and maintenance and in particular, delivery to the insurance market, where he has a proven record of helping to successfully grow business. He started his career as a quantity surveyor with HAT Group after which he joined MITIE Property Services Scotland as Commercial Director. Prior to joining Merlin John led National Operations for Rok Maintenance for a period of 7 years.
Ian Maudsley, IT & Project Director
Ian Maudsley the IT & Projects Director of the Merlin Group is responsible for the IT strategy, IT delivery (production and development), projects, and telecoms for the group. His goal is to deploy IT systems and technology to allow Merlin and its clients to operate efficiently and effectively though delivery of exceptional IT service.
Ian joined Merlin in April 2008 prior to which he was deputy director of Business Operations Support Services for Euler Hermes UK Plc. He has over 25 years of IT experience working for several companies. Aside from his IT experience Ian is a certified Six Sigma Blackbelt (Quality Management Methodology) and is keen to drive operational excellence within Merlin.
Gill Fletcher, HR Director
Gill Fletcher is the HR Director for Merlin and is responsible for all staff and safety issues in the business, ensuring the company achieves its strategic plan and business objectives.
This is achieved by focusing on the recruitment, management, and direction for individuals who work for Merlin, dealing with compensation, performance management, organisation development, safety, wellness, benefits, employee motivation, communication, training and development.
Gill has 17 years experience within HR in the Insurance, Service Centre and Publishing industries. She is a member of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Kevin Wood, Chief Technical Officer
Kevin Wood is Chief Technical Officer of Merlin. He is responsible for the quality and technical framework from which all Merlin products and services are delivered, with particular focus on the Groups quality management and customer service functions and driving process improvement in the business. Kevin joined AMG, now part of Merlin, in 1993 and has almost 30 years experience of loss adjusting, claims management and fulfilment services.
Kevin played a key part in AMG’s diversification to include managed contractor and surveying services. In 2005, after leading the £62m Management Buy-Out of AMG, he initiated further enhancement of company activities in the liability, commercial and claims management sectors.
Kevin is passionate about the business and the opportunities presented by Merlin’s dynamic business model and ever-changing market.
Richard Shanks, Service Centre Director
Richard Shanks joined as Service Centre Director in February 2010 and is responsible for the strategic development of our Service Centres.
Richard has more than 20 years experience in the Insurance Claims industry including internal and external technical and senior managerial and strategic roles. During his career, he has focused on improving the Customer Experience and Cost Control through driving a high performance culture, process management and continuous improvement, system rationalisation and development. Richard has a track record of delivering operational turnaround and has excellent skills in the areas of leadership, senior team building, process management, analytical problem solving and communication.
Alex Kilpatrick, Client Development Director
Alex Kilpatrick is responsible for the strategic development of our client relationships as well as targeting new business across all product areas within Merlin.
Prior to joining Merlin, Alex he was Client Development Director for Homeserve, initially joining their Emergency Services, and subsequently taking on a divisional role across the Group. Alex began his career in financial services within the NatWest Group, before joining the Building Repair Network Multiassistance where he was part of the Management Team. He has more than 10 years experience in the Insurance Claims industry which has predominantly been focused on developing and building strong partnerships with insurers.
