Sargent, Clark UK’s current Chief Operating Officer, takes the reins from Matt Edwards who will be returning to New Zealand after a successful 15-year tenure in the UK.  

Edwards, who originally founded the company as E-finity Leads in 2012, led the company’s repositioning and transition to Candid in 2019, as well as the latest strategic move to join Clark Group in June this year to trade as Clark UK. Sargent, who has been with the company for seven years, has worked hand in hand with Edwards to drive this strategic realignment of the business.  

Reflecting on his journey with the company, Edwards said: “Over the last 5 years we have proven that even the oldest and most well-established industries can be disrupted. We have built one of the UKs largest protection distributors within the space of a short few years, protected thousands of families and changed the face of protection forever. I am very proud of this achievement.” 

“I am pleased to leave Clark UK in the capable hands of Joshua, who I know will continue to represent our values and ethos through our trusted, market leading brands.” 

Joshua Sargent, CEO of Clark UK said:  

“I’m fortunate to have forged a robust and collaborative partnership with Matt over the last seven years, and I’m committed to maintaining the firm’s strategy to grow our consumer brands and continue to strengthen our position in the UK protection market.” 

Sargent takes on responsibility for managing the UK businesses within Clark Group – including consumer brands Polly, Tom, Winston and Anorak – working closely with CLARK Group’s CEO, Christopher Oster. Sargent will also join the Clark Executive Committee, contributing to the overarching strategic direction and decision-making process across the wider group.  

Furthering Clark UK’s ambitious growth plans 

Clark UK has also announced the promotion of the current Head of Distribution, Richard Kerton, to the role of Chief Distribution Officer and Director. Kerton, who has been with the firm for three years, will take on responsibility for product distribution and development of B2B partnerships in line with his expertise. 

In addition, Clark UK will be welcoming a new Managing Director later this year who will be tasked with leading the strategic growth and development of the firm’s UK mobile application business and ultimately creating a sub-business within Clark UK as part of the wider growth strategy.  

Joshua Sargent, CEO, added: “Our commitment to innovation and growth remains unwavering. We will continue to invest in our people and our products, allowing us to further explore and develop our mobile applications and associated products to ensure we provide the best possible experience for our customers.” 

Source: Clark UK