Cheryl joins the JMG Group board of directors bringing 25 years of technology experience to the role, 20 of which she gained within the insurance industry. Cheryl’s appointment at JMG Group comes during a time of significant acquisitive and organic growth for the business and her newly introduced position will enable the business to strengthen its IT processes across its 16 offices, including those of eight businesses which have been acquired within the last 18 months.
Joining from a CIO consulting position, Cheryl was previously a head of technology at Wm Morrison Supermarkets before she joined Bury-based Jensten Technologies where she built the technology function and led a team of 40 technical experts. Cheryl gained considerable experience working in the insurance sector during her time at RBR Insurance and at Towergate Insurance where she initially met JMG Group CEO Nick Houghton. Cheryl has experience of working for businesses which have undergone significant changes following acquisitions or management buyouts. This, Cheryl says, has given her an excellent grounding for her new role at JMG Group.
Cheryl Astley says, “JMG Group is a highly ambitious business with a fantastic culture, and I am very pleased to be joining at this exciting time. I am commercially aware, and business minded and look at what the business needs in order to generate positive outcomes. My role will further help bring all JMG Group businesses together through the use of technology and through strong leadership, transparent communication and by showing the benefits of what we can do, which I believe are crucial in truly integrating multi-site businesses.”
Says JMG Group CEO, Nick Houghton, “Growing as we are creates complexities in our IT structure and we don’t want to have to “fix” things down the line. Cheryl’s experience in the insurance broker market is invaluable and having worked together before I know her personality and approach are a perfect fit for our team. I’m delighted that someone of Cheryl’s quality has chosen to join us.”