Former RSA product director Ian Bostock passes away

In a LinkedIn post, RSA said it was “deeply saddened” to announce the passing of Bostock, whom it called “a beloved former colleague with legendary status”.

Bostock joined RSA in 1986 as an underwriter and he remained at the insurer for 34 years, holding various leadership positions, including home product director and head of technical underwriting for personal lines. He was evenutually named personal lines underwriting, governance and change director in 2017.

He left RSA to take two years out before coming back as an underwriting consultant for Legal & General and LV, where he served for four months before retiring in October 2021.

A real shock

In another LinkedIn post, one of Bostock’s former colleagues, Alan Thompson, who is now director and founder at Map Training, revealed that Bostock died on 25 June.

He said the news was “a real shock”.

He wrote: “Ian was a colleague and friend to many of the team here at Map Training from our times at RSA and many of us have stayed in touch with him on a regular basis since moving to pastures new.

“I personally had the pleasure of working with Ian on many great training programmes at RSA, where he was always a fantastic supporter of the Technical Academy team.”

In the comments on RSA’s post, friends and former colleague paid tribute to Bostock as being a “gentleman and a true legend”, observing he had been “taken far too soon”.

Charles Crawford, chief operations officer at Gallagher, said: “I wouldn’t have become the motor underwriter I was without Ian and his wise wisdom.”

Sarah-Jane Walker, pricing excellence leader at RSA, said: “Ian was such a special person and a dear friend from the day he employed me nearly 30 years ago.

“Ian was kind, thoughtful, caring and fun, both in and out of work. He touched so many people and those who worked for him thrived. Ian simply brought the best out in people, by giving people his time and the opportunities to shine.”

Phil Bell, who was at RSA for 52 years before retiring just a few months before Bostock, said: “He was a top man in all he said and did.

“He will be missed by everyone who benefitted from his wisdom and humour.”

Thompson added: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sue, who he leaves behind, having had far too short a time to enjoy a well-earned retirement together.”

Insurance Post sends its condolences to Bostock’s friends, family and former colleagues at this time.