Emma Thomson is leaving Lifesearch to join protection provider British Friendly in the role of product strategist.
After almost 20 years at Lifesearch, Ms Thomson will leave her current role as life office relationship director to join British Friendly in October.
Ms Thomson said she felt the time was right for a "fresh challenge" and will be continuing to support Lifesearch going forward as a client of British Friendly.
She said: "I am delighted to be joining one of the most innovative companies in the protection market - my role at Lifesearch involved working closely with insurers, and in particular friendly societies, so I understand British Friendly’s proposition very well and love their strong focus on advisers and customer care."
Ms Thomson said she felt the industry needed to work together to better promote income protection.
She said: "No insurer has done more in the last few years to do that than British Friendly.
"Their discretionary mutual benefits programme which gives members access to a range of additional benefits including a care assistance benefit, bereavement benefit, healthcare and legal services, to name a few, is a great proposition which I am excited to be working on."
In her role at British Friendly, Ms Thomson will be reporting to product and marketing director Nick Telfer.
Mr Telfer said: "Emma is one of the most knowledgeable people in the protection industry and we are delighted to have her on board - she knows the market inside out and has a vast understanding of protection products as well as the needs of advisers.
"With Emma’s help we will continue to develop new products and services while maintaining the highest standards of customer care and paying claims."
Kevin Carr, co-chair of the Income Protection Task Force (IPTF), said: "I have worked with Emma for almost 20 years as we both joined Lifesearch in the same year.
"I am sure Tom and the team will miss her, but British Friendly is a great company and I am sure they will come up with lots of good ideas together - Emma has always been a keen contributor when it comes to improving the industry, including working with the IPTF, which I hope continues now she has switched sides and joined the world of insurers."
rachel.addison@ft.com
