BGL hires new MD for own-brand units

BGL Group has hired Mark Townsend as managing director of Frontline, the unit responsible for the company’s own-branded products.

The BGL brands include Budget and Direct Dial.

Townsend replaces the previous managing director Andy Bord, who left BGL the end of 2011. He will report to group director of intermediated business David Downie.

Mark joins the Group from Capita Insurance Division, the fourth-largest personal lines intermediary in the UK, where he was managing director for eight years.

He is credited with completing three major acquisitions and winning numerous financial services distribution contracts with leading retailers during his tenure at Capita.

Before joining Capita, Townsend was chief operating officer at HSBC Select, which followed six years with Norwich Union where he was development manager for national retail accounts.

BGL chief operating officer Matthew Donaldson said: “With his extensive market and corporate experience, Mark is exceptionally well placed to lead our Frontline business.

“This is a turning point for our in-house brands, both of which have substantial numbers of customers thanks to aggregator expertise and strong consumer offerings. We are looking to take these brands to the next level, and Mark will be instrumental in delivering this.”