Matras supports the Groupama mantra…

1 April 2008

“Consistent profitability is the key to long term success," says new Groupama Insurances MD - Laurent Matras, as he looks to a bright future

On his first day as Managing Director at Groupama Insurances, Laurent Matras said that he fully supported the company's clear focus on the bottom line – highlighting the need for the business to 'work smarter' to continue the company's impressive record of profitability.

'Groupama's UK business has been consistently profitable over the last five years and my job will be to see that this continues. Current market conditions are still very tough, especially in the commercial and healthcare markets, so we will have to work smarter to identify areas where we can deliver a good return. It is clear that we have strong underwriting skills and flexible technology together with good service capabilities, so we need to make the most of our potential. Our size and flat structure means that we are very agile and this is a real advantage for our intermediary customers."

Matras, who joined Groupama on 1st April from AXA Insurance UK where he was Finance Director, added that he felt Groupama was well placed to build on its position as one of the largest intermediary supporting insurers. "We are a business that is clear about distribution. We don't deal direct so there are no conflicts for us. Our success is tied to the UK's intermediary community and I think that the future is bright."

Laurent Matras was also complimentary about the Group's award winning pedigree. "Groupama has won a number of industry awards in the last few years in some of the most important business areas," he added. "Awards for service, underwriting, technology and product development suggest that there is a lot we are getting right. Certainly strong foundations have been laid and François and Pierre have done a great job in putting Groupama Insurances on the map."

In welcoming Laurent to Groupama, CEO, François-Xavier Boisseau commented: "I am delighted to link up with Laurent again. His skills and experience will bring much to the Group and his strategic insight will offer a valuable new dimension to our Executive team."