National broker EBM Group says CEO Ward Dedman is to retire after 26 years with the business.

Group executive chairman and founder Alan Bishop will take the reins as Mr Dedman prepares to step back while remaining a non-executive director and shareholder.

“Ward leaves the CEO role knowing EBM Group is in very good shape, having marked its 50th anniversary this year and positioned itself well for the challenges and opportunities of the next 50 years,” Mr Bishop said.

Mr Dedman joined the broker in 2000 to set up a regional and rural division. In 2019 he was promoted to CEO after five years as MD.

EBM says that under his leadership, the group has expanded from its “original broking division, EBM Insurance & Risk [in 1975] and EBM RentCover [in 1991] to also include CoverLink”.

CoverLink was established in 2013 to facilitate management of underwriting, insurance binders, facilities and schemes, with services provided exclusively to EBM Group.

Mr Dedman says he has had an “incredible journey” with the business.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many talented and passionate people,” he said on his LinkedIn today.

“Together, we’ve achieved a lot, and I’m so proud of what we’ve built. After nearly 26 years with EBM, I’ve made the deeply considered decision to retire from my role as CEO.

“I look forward to supporting EBM’s next chapter – and to pursuing some personal and business interests that have long been on my horizon.”