Hewett appointed as chief executive of Thatcham Research

Thatcham Research has appointed Jonathan Hewett as its new chief executive, effective from January 7, 2019.

Hewett brings a wealth of senior management, international and strategic leadership skills from across the insurance, automotive, and financial sectors at a significant time for the company as it approaches its 50th Anniversary.

He joins from Octo Telematics where he was global chief marketing officer and drove business growth at board level.

In this key strategic role, he worked closely with insurers, vehicle manufacturers, fleet and rental organisations as well as government bodies, understanding and providing digital solutions in the age of the Internet of Things.

Prior to this, he has held various senior leadership and international roles across the automotive, insurance and finance sectors, including AIG, Dealflo Ltd, Dixons PLC, Post Office Direct, Sainsbury’s Bank and Barclays Bank. 

His expertise will lead and evolve Thatcham Research’s strategy, and help guide its Insurer Members through vehicle safety, repair and security in a period of exponential technological advancements in connectivity, future automated driving capabilities as well as complex vehicle materials and structures.

Graham Gibson, chairman of Thatcham Research, said: “In a period when cars will change out of all recognition as we know them today, I am delighted that Jonathan has been appointed as chief executive. He brings considerable knowledge and experience, combined with great leadership skills.”

Hewett added: “We are amid once in a lifetime changes to our relationship with cars and mobility in general.

“The consequent impact on insurers and the automotive sector present enormous opportunities to improve consumer experience and efficiency for businesses.

“Over the last 50 years, Thatcham Research has provided crucial insight and data driven analysis for insurers and the automotive industry as a whole, and I am very much looking forward to working with the team in pursuit of our vision – safer cars and fewer crashes.”