New Chief Executive At TL Dallas

Independent insurance broker, TL Dallas, has appointed Tim Mortimer as its new Chief Executive, as the fourth-generation family firm positions itself for the next phase of managed growth.

Tim takes up the role at the Yorkshire-headquartered group as Group Managing Director, and fourth generation family member, Polly Staveley, moves into an Executive Chair position, allowing her to focus on strategy, key clients, ambassadorial work and selective acquisitions.

Tim joined TL Dallas six years ago as Commercial Managing Director, with a clear succession plan in mind and has since played a central role in developing the Group’s commercial insurance operations, delivering significant year on year organic growth. He has over 35 years’ experience in the insurance sector, having previously held senior regional roles at Smart & Cook, Bluefin and Marsh Commercial.

During his time at TL Dallas, Tim has been instrumental in strengthening the group’s footprint in Scotland, most notably through the acquisition of a 40-strong team based in Inverness, Elgin and Orkney, now operating as Nord Dallas and Caledonia Dallas.

He has also supported further growth through the launch of new regional offices and specialist propositions in Lincolnshire, with the launch of Dallas Scott Davey, a specialist agricultural and business insurance firm; and the establishment of Dallas Wilding Drew in North Yorkshire, serving businesses across a broad range of sectors; as well as expanding into Cumbria, opening a new office in Cockermouth specialising in commercial and agricultural insurance.

Polly Staveley said:

“Tim has really delivered for our business, and this is a natural and positive evolution of our leadership structure. Tim was appointed with a view to progressing into this role, and he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to TL Dallas, our people and our values.”

The changes will support the firm’s long-term vision of remaining a fully independent, full-service insurance broking and financial services group, with no external investment and continued majority ownership by the family and its employees.

Polly added:

“In my new role, I’ll focus on the strategic and ambassadorial aspects of the business, representing TL Dallas across family business, chamber of commerce and international networks, supporting long-standing generational clients and identifying like-minded opportunities that align with our vision and key strengths."

“Continued, well-managed, growth is essential to remain competitive in a consolidating broking market, and to secure the best outcomes for clients and create progression opportunities for our team.”

Tim said:

“I’m proud and excited to take on this role at a business with more than a century of history. TL Dallas is a rare example of a large, truly independent insurance broker that combines scale with a very personal approach to client service. Our independence, our people and our values are central to what makes us successful, and my focus as CEO will be on building on that strong foundation."

“We will continue to grow in a measured way, invest in our teams and ensure we remain competitive for our clients, whilst staying true to the culture that sets TL Dallas apart.”

Founded in 1919, TL Dallas now employs more than 220 people across 14 offices throughout the UK and is a founding member of the UNA national alliance of independent brokers.

Photo: Chief Executive Tim Mortimer and Executive Chair Polly Staveley from TL Dallas.