Our team
We’re an energetic team, always working hard on behalf of our members – so you can enjoy the rewards of your own hard work.

Andy Tedstone

Les Brewin
Director
I’ve spent over 51 years’ of my career in the insurance sector in various businesses. I have extensive experience of networks and the independent broking sector, most recently as managing director of the Purple Partnership, which I co-founded in 2009. My passion is supporting regional brokers to do their job better, and Cobra can do that for them. A key part of my role is to help to develop and take the Cobra proposition forward.

Joanne Russell
Head of Operations & Marketing
I’ve spent over 16 years in insurance, starting out in broker networks before moving into retail, underwriting and wholesale – and back to networks again! I was Brand Director at Gallagher, one of the world’s biggest brokerages, and previously Head of Group Marketing & Communications at Giles. I’m here to help build the most exciting proposition for our members, to grow the network and to build the brand. I’m involved in every aspect of the network operations from service development to key partner relationships.

Vince Ollard

Andrew Elliott
Strategic Account Manager
I look after brokers in the South West. I joined Cobra Network in August 2021 after 8 years working for Purple Partnership as a Senior Business Development Manager. In the 30+ years prior, my time was spent on the other side of the commercial insurance fence, working for NIG in a variety of development underwriting and account management roles. In over 40 years I have worked closely and happily with many independent Brokers, and I enjoy helping them to achieve what they want to achieve.

Stuart Knowles
I look after brokers in the North. My role is to help them connect with insurers and providers, and work with them to achieve their goals and plans. I have over 20 years’ experience in the commercial insurance sector, working within both provincial brokerages and networks. This allows me to see the real-life day to day challenges brokers face and how these impact on the business. I joined Cobra to become part of a network truly aligned to the independent broker.

Kerry Eves
I look after brokers in the East region. I enjoy assisting brokers with as many of their business needs as I am able. And if I can't help, I can always find someone who can! I have been in insurance since 1983, starting my career with Commercial Union. Since then, the majority of my roles have been development roles. I have been in the world of Networks since 2012, most recently with Purple Partnership.

Martin Hill
Broking Manager

Shaoib Altaf
Broking Desk Account Handler
I have worked in various roles in insurance broking and sales over the past 18 years, starting my insurance career with JLT I was perfectly placed to gain a wealth of knowledge in this ever-changing industry. I hope to bring highly charged energy and drive to connect our brokers to the right products and produce growth for all stakeholders. My sales background will provide a useful understanding of members' interests and requirements at every point in our process to fulfil the ambitions of all involved.

Heather Stretton
Account Handler
I have joined the Cobra team as an account handler from Gallagher's. I have been in insurance for over 10 years, dealing in a variety of products.

Jennifer Perry

Melissa Archer
Operations and Marketing Executive
I joined the Cobra Group in 2014, as part of the Resource Management team, and moved over to Cobra Network in 2018. My role as operations and marketing executive consists of the delivery of marketing materials and collateral, internal and external communications, PR and events and keeping members up to date with new product and service developments. Our team is also responsible for the management of our core communication channels for our members including Cobra Connect, LinkedIn and social channels, Cobra Network external website and our member newsletters.

Philippa Styles
Operations and Marketing Executive
As part of my role, I help implement the marketing and communications activity. This includes delivery of marketing materials and collateral, internal and external communications, content creation, brand awareness and lead generation campaigns as well as new product/service developments. Our team are responsible for the management of the core communications channels including Cobra Connect community platform, Cobra Network external website and our member's newsletters – Compliance Focus and InTouch.

Vicki Brewin
I have a wealth of network and insurance experience. I've spent over 30 years in the insurance business including Commercial underwriting and Team Leader roles with both RSA and Ageas. Most recently I was at Purple Partnership, where I was Operations Manager.

Kerry Pollitt
I joined Cobra Network at the start of 2022, as Executive Assistant to Andy Tedstone, CEO - and Jennie Burton - PIB Group Market Management Director. I’m delighted to be part of the Cobra family and enjoy getting involved and supporting Andy, Jennie, and the rest of the team. I have a wide range of skills I have used in previous roles, including Office Management, Personal Assistant, Customer Service, Events Management and Project Management. These have been gained in a number of sectors including hotels, design and build, brand experience, utilities and the third sector, and I’m looking forward to bringing all these experiences and skills gained into my role at Cobra Network.
If you have any questions at all, we’re here to help.
Just give us a call on 03300 59960 or email us at info@cobranetwork.co.uk.
