Two players in the financial and insurance sectors have announced senior leadership changes aimed at refining their business operations and responding to market demands.
Close Brothers Premium Finance (CBPF) and Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM) have each announced structural adjustments, appointing key figures.
CBPF, a finance provider in the UK and Ireland, has introduced a new commercial function while aligning its sales structure to focus on broker partnerships.
Colin Wallace, previously sales director for personal lines, has been appointed as commercial director. He will oversee the company’s commercial activities, including product and brand development, and will continue to manage the personal lines sales team.
"With these specialist areas and collective expertise all under one roof, there’s no doubt in my mind that this will enhance our ability to grow, protect and sustain our business. Plus, we’ll be better equipped to respond to ongoing market related factors, such as the FCA’s Market Study,” said Wallace.
Elliott Hayes remains sales director, leading commercial lines, strategic accounts, and networks. His role involves refining relationships with commercial brokers and network partners.
"With the new commercial function supporting us and with the sales structure being more aligned to our broker partners, I’m confident that this will give us more opportunities to deepen our relationships and enhance our partner service," said Hayes.
According to CBPF managing director Shaun Hooper, these structural changes are intended to align internal capabilities with long-term business objectives.
Meanwhile, LSM, part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has appointed Daniel Unstad (pictured) as head of Liberty Nordics.
Unstad, who has 25 years of insurance and surety experience, will be based in Oslo. He will report to Roland Richter, the regional executive and senior vice president, and head of Surety – EMEA; and Rob Groenen, the general manager of LSM Benelux & Nordics.
"This will help drive our growth ambitions while effectively addressing the rising needs of our clients across the region,” said Groenen.
Unstad's responsibilities include setting the strategic direction for the Nordic region, leading a combined surety and insurance team, and positioning Oslo as the company’s underwriting and distribution hub. He will also continue in his role as head of surety in Norway, a position he previously held after Liberty Mutual acquired MGA House of Guarantees, where he was COO.
The company sees long-term potential in the region as part of its European expansion strategy.
What do you think these leadership changes mean for the financial and insurance sectors? Share your thoughts in the comments.
