Fortis unveils former Direct Line MD as new retail boss

Fortis UK has appointed Andy Watson to its executive team in the new role of managing director, retail.

The insurer said Watson's appointment supports the development of its "multi-channel strategy to increase its product range to customers whilst supporting brokers, IFAs and affinity partners in both the non-life and life markets."

Watson was most recently head of insurance UK at HSBC Insurance. Prior to that he worked within RBS as managing director of UKI Partnerships and Direct Line.

Watson will lead Fortis UK’s retail strategy supporting RIAS, Fortis Insurance Solutions and Fortis UK’s affinity partnerships team. He will report to Fortis UK chief executive Barry Smith.

Fortis said that the roles of Janet Connor, RIAS managing director; Geoff Carter, managing director of Fortis Insurance Solutions; and Ian Wardle, UK affinity partnerships director remain unaffected.

Smith said: “Fortis has grown significantly in the insurance market in recent years and this appointment is another clear signal of our desire to continue this pace of growth. I am delighted that we have been able to secure someone of Andy’s standing and calibre. Andy’s skills and experience will prove invaluable as we expand our business and his arrival further strengthens Fortis’ senior management team.”

Watson, who joins Fortis immediately, added: “Fortis is a major force in the UK insurance market based on compelling propositions coupled with market leading service. It’s an exciting time to be joining the company and I am looking forward to working with Barry and the senior management team to build on its success.”