Sterling’s John Blundell resurfaces at Ecclesiastical

Ecclesiastical has hired former Sterling managing director and Covéa Insurance deputy chief executive John Blundell as managing director of its UK general insurance business.

Blundell will take up his new role at the specialist churches and charities insurer on 1 September.

Ecclesiastical has not had a dedicated UK general insurance chief executive since the departure of Steve Wood in June 2013.

Since then the UK general insurance business has been run by Ecclesiastical deputy chief executive and global general insurance head Jacinta Whyte.

Blundell left UK insurer Covéa Insurance at the end of May. He was previously managing director of high net worth insurer Sterling, which Covéa bought in February 2015.

Whyte said: “After an extensive search process we are delighted to announce the appointment of John Blundell.

“John’s personal values, broad experience and proven track record of building teams and businesses fits perfectly with Ecclesiastical’s own objective of being the most trusted, ethical financial services group in our chosen markets.

“This is an exciting time for Ecclesiastical as we build on our solid platform of success which will be taken forward under John’s capable leadership.”

Blundell added: “Ecclesiastical has a fantastic brand and a high degree of experience and expertise in its chosen markets and I look forward to leading the UK Insurance team to further sustainable and profitable growth.”