New chairman at Cornish Mutual

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(L-R): Cornish Mutual's new chairman Ian Pawley with new non-executive director Graham Shearn

A new chairman and non-executive director have been elected to the board of Truro-based general insurance firm Cornish Mutual.

Ian Pawley has been appointed chairman and Graham Shearn has taken on the role of non-Executive director.

The outgoing chairman Gerald Blewett has decided to step down from the role while remaining on the board to provide continuity. He will strengthen governance at Cornish Mutual by serving as senior independent director – a newly-created role to replace that of deputy chairman.

Commenting on the changes, MD Alan Goddard said: “We have clear plans to develop the business for the benefit of both existing and new Members and I’m confident that Ian, Graham, Gerald and the whole board at Cornish Mutual will make a huge difference in the company’s future success.

“I would also like to personally thank Gerald Blewett for all that he has done in the role of chairman and we’re delighted that he will continue to play a significant role going forward.”

Pawley has been a non-executive director with Cornish Mutual since November 2008 and was appointed deputy chairman of the company in April last year. Formerly managing partner of Stephens Scown solicitors, he also holds a non-executive director position with Cornwall Care, as well as being a trustee of the Duchy Health Charity.

He said: “I am proud and privileged to be elected chairman of a strong board of directors at Cornish Mutual. We shall continue to focus on our membership, as behoves a mutual organisation, and serve the agricultural and rural communities of the south west. Our board will work together responding to the regulatory challenges that face us.”