South west rural insurer Cornish Mutual has appointed a new chair for its board of directors.
Jeremy Oatey replaces Ian Pawley, who is retiring after ten years in the post.
The appointment was agreed at the company’s AGM, an event which is usually attended by members but which this year was conducted through a conference call as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Oatey has served as a non-executive director since 2014. With an extensive background in farming, he is a passionate figure within the agricultural community and is the owner of south east Cornwall-based contract farming company Agricola Growers Ltd and was named Farmers Weekly Arable Farmer of the year 2013.
He said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of chair at Cornish Mutual. The company has a long history, solid values and is a very well respected organisation across the south west.
“I look forward to working with the board and the entire team in continuing and further developing the business and the important role it plays in our rural communities.
“Ian has made an outstanding contribution as chairman. He has led the board through a period of change, helping Cornish Mutual successfully adapt to the different needs of the agricultural community.”
Outgoing chair Ian Pawley has lived and worked in Cornwall throughout his professional life. A former MD at law firm Stephens Scown, he joined the Cornish Mutual board in 2009 and was elected chair in 2011.
Commenting on his retirement, he said: “I would like to congratulate Jeremy Oatey on his appointment as chair and wish him well for his period of office.
“I feel privileged to have been a director and chair of Cornish Mutual. The company is in excellent condition, having benefited from the commitment of former managing director Alan Goddard and new managing director Peter Beaumont, working alongside previous chairs and board members.”
