Legal & General has appointed James Shattock as its next managing director for UK protection, while Pippa Keefe has succeeded him as commercial director.
The appointments follow current managing director of UK protection, Steve Griffiths’ retirement announcement after a 17-year career at the insurer, having led the retail protection and group protection businesses for the last six years.
Shattock (pictured), who is currently commercial director for retail protection, will assume his new role in December, joining the retail executive leadership team.
He has more than 25 years’ experience in the insurance industry across the direct and reinsurance markets and joined three years ago from Unum UK where he was chief underwriting officer.
Keefe was previously Legal & General Retail Protection’s business development director and will join the retail protection leadership team.
She joined Legal & General in 2021 and has more than 13 years’ experience in the protection market, working with insurers, reinsurers and direct distributors.
The insurer said both roles will be crucial in leading the strategy and execution of its protection proposition, pricing, underwriting and claims, as well as overseeing relationships with key partners and intermediaries.
Protection market change
Bernie Hickman, CEO of Legal & General Retail, said: “Both James and Pippa’s appointments demonstrate how we’re continuously looking to support growth and development within our team and tap into the immense existing talent.
“It is a fast-moving time for the protection industry and I’m looking forward to working with James and Pippa in their new roles to ensure that we continue to deliver as a market leader in protection.
“I also want to thank Steve for his fantastic service to Legal & General, which has seen record protection claim pay outs, as well as product changes to improve customer outcomes for more people.”
Shattock said he was really excited about the opportunity.
“The protection market is going through a lot of change, and this provides a great opportunity for us to broaden our customer support to keep more people covered,“ he said.
“I hope to use my experience in the insurance industry to help deliver Legal & General’s strategy across both retail and group protection.”
Keefe added: “I’m delighted to be joining James’ leadership team as commercial director and building on the excellent work already underway as we navigate the unique challenges of today’s protection market.
“I believe in the strength and quality of our people and know that we are well positioned for continued successful growth as we move forwards.”