Keoghs appoints Steve Thomas as Director of pre-litigation claims

Keoghs’ CMS division is a volume handler of predominantly lower-value cases - both pre- and post-litigation - on behalf of some of the UK’s biggest insurers.

Steve joins from Zurich Insurance, where he was technical claims manager of UK General Insurance and was also heavily involved in representing the interests of Zurich within the insurance market and through government lobbying.

He has worked in the insurance industry for 25 years, the last 15 of which were at Zurich, and is a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

In his new role at Keoghs, Steve will have oversight of pre-litigation claims handling within the CMS division and responsibility for setting technical policy and ensuring best practice.

His initial focus will be to deliver an ‘MoJ compliant’ pre-litigation service for insurers in advance of the April 2010 reforms.

John Whittle, chief executive of Keoghs said: “Steve has a proven track record of leading claims handling teams to deliver highly efficient, technically excellent services and this ability will make him a major asset to Keoghs’ CMS division.

“Steve’s experience in lobbying government on behalf of the industry will also be invaluable in reinforcing Keoghs position as a thought leader in the claims handling arena.”

Steve Thomas said: “Keoghs has gained a reputation as one of the leading names in handling litigated claims and I am looking forward to helping the firm build on this success.

“It is ideally placed to offer an MoJ product to insurers, building upon its extensive knowledge and understanding of the claims process.”