Thatcham Research announces today the appointment of Nick Caplan as Chair of the Board of Directors.

This follows an extensive review sponsored by Graham Gibson, the previous Chair. The review was initiated to ensure that Thatcham Research has the right Board structure, governance and director skill sets for the fast-changing insurance, automotive and consumer worlds in which it operates.  

Since 1969 the Chair of Thatcham Research has been drawn from its insurance membership. With its role expanding to bridge both the insurance and automotive sectors, the existing Board concluded that an Independent Non-Executive Chair would be best able to support the company’s core purpose of delivering Automotive Risk Intelligence. 

Nick Caplan joins the Thatcham Research Board following an extensive search and brings a wealth of experience spanning financial services, insurance, data and technology. Of note, he chaired Faster Payments, helping to align the UK banking industry to revolutionise the UK’s automated payments infrastructure. Nick also served as an Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) at Covea Insurance and currently sits as an INED on the Board of Vitality Life and Health. 

Commenting on the appointment, Jonathan Hewett, CEO of Thatcham Research, said, “Having appointed two INEDs in 2021, we have seen the value of cognitive diversity around our Board table. As Thatcham Research continues to evolve its strategy through the delivery of new research, assessment and data driven propositions such as the new Vehicle Risk Rating model, replacing Group Rating, its vital that we have somebody of Nick’s calibre and experience to encourage debate and challenge.

“I would also like to thank outgoing Chair Graham Gibson, for his participation in the selection process and for his dedication to the role over the past seven years, which have seen significant transformation and growth for the business.”

Nick said, “Thatcham Research already plays a pivotal role in the insurance and automotive sectors. Its research and data analysis capabilities are evolving quickly, and I look forward to working with the executive team and stakeholders on the next stage of the company’s dynamic evolution.”