Werth steps down at Ageas

Martin Werth, managing director of Ageas Protect is to step down at the end of this year.

Ageas said that, after five years and establishing the business from scratch, Werth "wants to move on to face fresh challenges".

Werth will leave on 31 December 2011 and a search for his replacement has begun. From 1 January 2012, Darren Spriggs, currently Operations Director, will be acting Managing Director of Ageas Protect.

Spriggs joined Ageas Protect at the beginning of 2011 having previously been with Ageas's retail business, RIAS. He has over 20 years experience and was part of the leadership team that introduced a joint Ageas Protect and RIAS Over 50s Life Plan product to market.

Martin Werth said: "It's been an exhausting and exhilarating five years. The business is in really good shape and there is a fantastic team in place to take it onto the next stage of its development.

"I will be taking a well earned break before looking at new opportunities."

Barry Smith, Chief Executive of Ageas UK said: "We are sorry that Martin is moving on and would like to thank him for his significant contribution in helping establish Ageas Protect as a real presence in the market."