MGAA Appoints Alison Cairns as Learning and Development Manager

The Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA), the UK’s only not-for-profit organisation representing Managing General Agents (MGAs) across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Cairns as its new Learning and Development Manager.

Alison joins the MGAA from AXA UK, where she was Underwriting Competency Development Manager. With extensive experience in insurance training and development, technical capability, change consulting, and financial services coaching, Alison brings a wealth of expertise that will be instrumental in expanding and enhancing the MGAA’s training and development initiatives.

Training and development are at the core of the MGAA’s value proposition for its members, and Alison’s appointment signals a strengthened commitment to delivering high-quality training programmes focused on professionalisation and best practices. This will empower MGAs to excel in their roles and contribute to the growth and success of the sector.

Michael Keating, CEO of the MGAA, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Alison to the growing MGAA team. Training and professional development are fundamental to ensuring the long-term success of MGAs, and Alison’s expertise will be invaluable in driving forward our initiatives. Alison will take accountability for our programme of learning and insight, with a mandate to expand our training offering across our underwriting, claims, operational and compliance insight schedule, to reinforce our position as the leading voice for MGAs, suppliers, and market practitioners. She will be our lead on educational relationships, both within our supplier network and peer associations, in addition to hosting lunch and learn seminars on member-led topics.”   

Alison Cairns, Learning and Development Manager at the MGAA, said: “I am thrilled to be joining the MGAA at such an exciting time for the industry. Training and development play a crucial role in fostering excellence within MGAs, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place. By enhancing and expanding the MGAA’s training programmes, we can help MGAs stay ahead of regulatory requirements, develop technical expertise, and drive professional growth across the sector.”