Meet Our Joint Managing Director, Ashley Hoadley

At Darwin Clayton, our greatest strength lies in our team. We recently sat down with Ashley Hoadley, our Joint Managing Director, to learn more about his experience, insights, and aspirations in the insurance world of Darwin Clayton.

How did you get started in the insurance industry, and what attracted you to insurance?
I was looking to start a professional career that I could grow into with future development opportunities. Darwin Clayton was a local company, the role was available at the right time & I really liked the idea of becoming a specialist insurance broker.

What do you enjoy most about working at Darwin Clayton?
The people – colleagues I work with, the clients & industry contacts I have met over the years & the Insurers we have built partnerships with.

What are the biggest challenges and rewards in your current position?
Every challenge presents an opportunity to learn and improve what we do. Ultimately, I want to ensure that our clients are satisfied, with products that meet their needs and the service they deserve. In order to deliver our continued growth aspirations, delivering this in a fully compliant way with a happy & motivated team is critical for us to be successful.

What skills do you consider essential for success in your role?
Leadership, listening & communication, relationship building, problem solving, adaptability, enthusiasm & drive.

Are there any areas of expertise you are particularly passionate about?
Understanding our client sectors & their specialist insurance needs has always motivated me to invest time in building strong relationships with our customers and key trade organisations. It helps us enhance our knowledge and be able to respond to the changing needs of the sectors.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or passions you pursue?
A love of the Great British countryside and to travel the world when the opportunity arises. Enjoy most sports & anything involving sports cars…. a road trip is never far away in the planning.
Good food & wine with friends is a must.

How do you give back to the community, and why is it important to you?
I like to attend a range of events in the local community – it’s a chance to support various community groups whilst meeting up with people.

What are your long-term career aspirations?
To continue to build on the successful legacy at Darwin Clayton with the support of the Jensten family.

In conclusion, Ashley’s deep commitment to professional growth, client satisfaction and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration is deeply woven into the very fabric of how we operate at Darwin Clayton. We are proud to have Ashley as our leader and excited to see where his vision will take us in the future.