Ripe, the UK-based digital managing general agent (MGA), has appointed Jon Fell as chief operating officer (COO).
Fell will lead Ripe’s operational strategy and oversee customer operations. He will play a central role in the company’s continued growth, focusing on the successful integration of future acquisitions. He will be based at Ripe’s new headquarters in Stockport, which officially opened in April.
Fell joins Ripe from Verso Wealth Management, where he served group chief operating officer, leading the integration of acquired businesses and driving operational scalability across the group.
Prior to this, he built a 25-year career in operational leadership, holding senior roles at Assurant Europe, Bank of America, and several private equity-backed financial services businesses. Across these positions, he delivered large-scale digitisation programmes and significant improvements to customer experience and operational efficiency.
Fell said: “I’m delighted to be joining Ripe and to be back in the North West as the business settles into its new Stockport home. This is a very exciting moment to come on board. Ripe has built a strong and well-earned reputation in data, technology and digital marketing, and there’s real momentum behind its expansion plans.
“I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on those foundations – both by scaling the core business and by bringing in like-minded, high-quality businesses that share the same values and ambition.”
Alan Thomas, CEO of Ripe added: “We’re delighted to welcome Jon to Ripe – his depth of operational experience, including complex integrations, will strengthen the leadership team as we continue to scale. Jon has a proven track record in fast-moving, growth-focused businesses, and I’m confident he’ll make an immediate impact.”
The appointment comes as Ripe expands through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, now serving more than 430,000 customers across the UK. In December 2025, Ripe completed its third major acquisition with the purchase of Bolton-based holiday home insurance provider, Schofields Limited.
The company also reported its 17th consecutive year of double-digit revenue growth, with turnover increasing by £2.8 million to £20.6 million for the year ending 31 December 2024, up from £17.8 million in 2023.
