Industry
Nick Kirwan has resigned from his role as head of protection and product marketing at Abbey for Intermediaries after nearly a decade with the provider. He is set to join Scottish Widows as marketing director, protection, in the autumn. Sue Wilkinson has replaced Kirwan as interim head of life and health propositions, protection category, at Abbey.
Kirwan will take full responsibility for the development, delivery and performance of Scottish Widows' protection products and is expected to maximise market potential, customer needs and commercial opportunities. After nine years with Scottish Provident and Abbey, Kirwan said he is looking forward to the fresh challenges his new role will bring.
"I am very passionate about the protection market and cannot wait to start my new role and look at ways in which to develop and grow the market. I believe this is a very clear sign from Scottish Widows about its intention to do more in the protection arena," he said.
Nathan Ross, managing director for marketing and distribution at Scottish Widows confirmed that the appointment marked the providers' future plans to extend its presence in the protection market.
"We are constantly striving to enhance our specialist expertise in each of our chosen areas of business and as one of the leading figures in the protection sector, Nick will certainly help us to achieve this," he said.
While the move is good news for the protection industry in terms of introducing another key player into the market, it marks a devastating blow for Abbey, said Kevin Carr, senior technical adviser at LifeSearch.
"Losing a figurehead is not good news and IFAs must consider what this could mean for its future in terms of product design, competitive rates and most importantly future claims. His replacement certainly has a tough act to follow," he said.
However, a spokesperson for Abbey said the provider remains confident of its position in the market and wishes Kirwan well in his new role.
