Direct Group recruits from Oval and Swinton

Direct Group has hired former Oval executive Julia Harwood as finance business partner for its distribution division.

The broker has also appointed former Swinton executive Marie Rogers as property customer services manager.

Both roles will be based in Direct Group’s new Doncaster headquarters.

Harwood will report to Direct Group chief financial officer Scott Hough. She has joined Direct Group after four years at Oval, including three as chief accountant.

Before that she was in the finance team at Kuwait Petroleum for six years, and has also worked in the NHS.

Hough said: “Direct Group is continually looking to recruit insurance professionals for its ambitious growth plans.”