CompaniesMay 16 2022

Standard Life appoints retail intermediary head from LV

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Standard Life appoints retail intermediary head from LV
Chris Hudson, managing director of retail intermediary at Standard Life

Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, has appointed Chris Hudson to the newly created role of managing director of retail intermediary.

Hudson joins Standard Life from LV where he was responsible for increasing its adviser market share, having previously held senior management roles at Aegon, Friends Life and Aviva.

Standard Life said Hudson has experience in "establishing new adviser propositions" and developing new product categories. 

In his previous roles, he led the introduction of variable annuities to the UK, has created offshore bond distribution with UK advisers and led sales and distribution teams through platform migrations.

In his new role, Hudson will lead an expanding intermediary adviser channel with responsibility for distribution strategy and technical engagement and support with retail advisers across the UK. 

Standard Life said this will include a focus on using technology to deliver increased levels of support for advisers.

Hudson said: “This is a fantastic time to be joining Standard Life as the business benefits from significant investment and we begin to grow our presence in the adviser market. 

“I look forward to establishing a market-leading adviser focused distribution team and to providing not only the product solutions but also the service and support they need to service their clients’ savings and retirement needs.”

He will report to Standard Life managing director of pensions and savings Colin Williams.

The firm said the appointment “underscores a renewed investment in the retail marketplace”.

Williams said: “The adviser market continues to go from strength to strength as it supports its clients to effectively plan their financial futures and manage life’s big events. 

“Chris’ appointment is a signal of our renewed commitment to the adviser market where we intend to build on Standard Life’s long heritage and experience of working alongside advisers and their clients.”

He explained that backed by investment, Standard Life is laying the foundations to steadily grow its capability in the retail savings market. 

“Chris will begin building our distribution footprint, recruiting the best in the business while creating a support and service focused offering for advisers,” he added. 

“He has extensive experience across all aspects of intermediary distribution with strong relationships in wealth management, corporate and specialist practices sectors of the market and he’ll make a significant contribution to achieving our growth ambitions and as part of our leadership team.”

sonia.rach@ft.com