Vanessa Sallows will step down claims and governance director at Legal & General Group Protection at the end of the year to take on a part-time role as claims and clinical development director for group protection.
Sallows (pictured) will be replaced by Tracey Bridger, current head of claims for group protection, on 1 January 2026 and they will begin working on a transition in the latter part of the year.
Bridger has had a 20-year career at L&G, beginning as a claims assessor and progressing through roles as team manager and head of claims.
Sallows, who has been a senior leader at the insurer for more than twenty years, will be working reduced hours, but will remain part of L&G’s group protection exco team and will continue to be one of its key media spokespeople for group protection, the insurer said.
It added that as part of the senior leadership team, Sallows has helped to shape its group protection strategy and has led on various pivotal initiatives, including:
- Introducing L&G’s once and done (Onederwriting) approach to medical underwriting in 2008/9
- Simplifying life assurance claims by no longer requesting death certificates in 2012
- Co-creating and delivering L&G’s Not a Red Card campaign from 2016-2020
- Co-designing L&G’s Be Well. Get Better. Be Supported. outcomes-focused framework for its group income protection proposition.
In Sallow’s new role as claims and clinical development director, she will continue to be responsible for commentary in the media and at conferences and events.
Sallows will continue to have input into the claims and clinical philosophies, including mentoring and coaching colleagues in this area.
‘Incredible 21 years’
James Shattock, managing director, UK Protection, for L&G’s Retail business said Bridger brought extensive experience, a strong customer focus and a collaborative leadership style that will support the insurer’s progress.
“We strive to support the development of our people from within, and today’s announcement represents a prime example of this.
“Vanessa has been with L&G for an incredible 21 years and has made an outstanding contribution to L&G Group Protection.
“We’re thrilled that she’ll continue to bring her expertise to the business in a new role.
“Vanessa has always brought a passion for the psychology of work – understanding what prevents individuals from working during periods of ill-health, and supporting them to return to ‘good work’ as part of their recovery.”
Bridger said she was thrilled to be stepping into the role of claims and governance director.
“It’s a privilege to lead a function that sits at the heart of our promise to customers and to be there when they need us most,” she said.
“I’m excited to work alongside such a talented team, continuing to build on the strong foundations already in place, and drive forward a culture of integrity, empathy and operational excellence.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of claims and governance in a way that continues to deliver outstanding outcomes for both our customers and our business.”
Sallows added: “It’s been an honour and a privilege to lead an amazing team of colleagues in the group protection claims, clinical and governance area over the past 21 years; to see the area grow, develop and contribute to the success of the L&G Group Protection business.
“I’m pleased that I’m going to continue to be part of the business in my new role, ensuring that we continue to deliver what matters to our customers and supporting people to thrive in the workplace.
“I’m absolutely delighted that Tracey will be taking on the role of claims and governance director from 1 January. I know the Group Protection claims, clinical and governance area will continue to thrive due to her customer and colleague focus.”
