Executive Profiles
Matthew Cheetham,
Chairman
Matthew is highly experienced in working in B2B and B2C service businesses for blue chip multinational companies in finance and leisure. He was appointed Chairman of Rock Insurance in summer 2008. Matthew’s career in the travel sector began in 1988 at Airtours, now Mytravel..where he held roles in marketing, strategy, financial and general line management before heading up Holidaybreak. Matthew is also CEO for One Advice Group (financial debt management services).
Antony Martin,
Managing Director
Antony Martin, one of the founders of Rock Insurance, is a straight talking individual with a flair for capitalising on business opportunities. Antony is responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, drawing on his considerable experience in sales, marketing and technology. A 19 year career in the travel and travel insurance sectors provides Antony with an in-depth understanding of both the travel and insurance markets.
Ian Scott,
Director of Business Development
Scotland and Ireland
Ian joined Rock Insurance in early 2008 to further develop business in Scotland and Ireland. He has worked within the travel industry for 36 years and his previous roles include Sales and Marketing Director at Club Travel 2000, Head of Sales and Operations at Direct Holidays and, most recently founder/senior partner of 'The Scott Partnership' (Travel Industry Management Consultants).
Amanda Matthews,
Non-Executive Director
Amanda Matthews joined Rock as non-executive Director in May 2009. Amanda’s extensive travel industry experience will enhance Rock’s insight into their customers’ business needs. As well as her role at Rock, Amanda is also Managing Director of luxury travel retail business, Designer Travel, and Chairman of Training For Travel. Previously, Amanda spent 20 years working for Travelcare with responsibility for 370 branches, call centres, websites and a tour operation.
John Buckingham,
Director
John Buckingham joined Rock as a Director in April 2009. John was a co-founder of Preferential Insurance Services in 1996 and grew the company into a successful insurance intermediary and underwriting agency before leaving to join Rock. Prior to this, John spent 24 years working in the travel and insurance markets for companies including Horizon Travel Centres/ Thomson Travel, Europ Assistance and Accident and General.
Claire Fearn (ACMA),
Financial Controller
Claire joined Rock Insurance in October 2008. Having qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant in 1997, Claire spent several years running a divisional finance department with a major UK house builder. Together with her finance team, Claire ensures that Rock's finances are tightly-managed and supports the management team in analysing new business opportunities. Claire also acts as Company Secretary.
Sarah Hall-Strutt,
Head of Operations
Sarah joined the Senior Management team of Rock Insurance in July 2008 and has been an integral part of the successful expansion programme during the past year. Sarah has a natural talent for problem solving and analytical thinking. Sarah brings to the company over 20 years experience within the financial services industry with responsibilities such as overseeing regulatory requirements and quality control.
