The Chartered Insurance Institute has appointed Zurich's Dr Matthew Connell as director of policy and engagement.
His role will cover the operations of both the CII and Personal Finance Society (PFS).
Dr Connell commenced his new role on 6 March following his most recent position as head of regulatory developments and policy at Zurich.
He was also previously the chairman of the Investment and Life Insurance Group.
As part of the group, Dr Connell worked to bring investment and insurance practitioners together with policymakers to produce better outcomes for consumers, especially on key European Union and UK regulatory initiatives.
In the newly created role, Dr Connell has responsibility for managing the development of the CII and PFS’s policy, public affairs and public relations strategy.
He will build on the organisation’s existing policy and research work and drive ongoing engagement with regulators and public bodies.
Keith Richards, chief executive of the PFS, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew to our team.
“Matthew has a strong reputation in the regulatory world and brings a wealth of policy and public affairs expertise, which will be key to building public trust in the power of professional standards in the insurance and financial advice sectors.”
“I look forward to working with Matthew on providing insightful content, which will help our members engage with their clients, and position the CII and PFS as a thought leader in the insurance and financial advice professions.”
Dr Connell said: “I am excited about joining the CII and PFS at a time of increasing regulatory development.
“New technology, demographic change and higher expectations from consumers are all demanding new standards of professional and ethical behaviour from the financial services sector.
“I’m looking forward to working with insurance and financial advice professionals and policymakers to find practical ways to maintain and increase trust in the sectors.”
The CII has also appointed former Nucleus Financial content editor Jun Merrett as content and engagement manager.
The two appointments represent the CII and PFS’s focus on bolstering both organisations’ thought leadership functions.
The latest hires come after last year Keith Richards’ role was changed and he was tasked with increasing engagement with the Chartered Insurance Institute.
While Mr Richards continues to head up the Personal Finance Society but he is now also tasked with boosting engagement with the Chartered Insurance Institute, parent body of the PFS.
Mr Richard’s wider remit is part of the CII’s strategic plan, which was unveiled in November.
The plan is supposed to boost trust in the industry, push professional standards and make learning more accessible.
emma.hughes@ft.com
