Appointments: Paul Smith Joins The Exeter as CIO

Health and protection insurer, The Exeter, has today announced the appointment of Paul Smith as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Paul joins The Exeter’s Executive Board from Just Group where he was the Director of IT.

Paul will be responsible for driving the development and delivery of The Exeter’s IT strategy as the company looks to expand and spearhead innovation to meet its forward thinking approach and customer preferences.

With over 25 years’ experience in the pensions and life insurance sectors, Paul’s breadth of expertise covers a range of IT functions including operations, the development and testing of applications and data governance. In Paul’s most recent role at Just Group, he was responsible for information security, operation of infrastructure and service and the support and development of IT Platforms, whilst overseeing a number of agile initiatives.

Prior to his experience at Just Group, Paul worked at AXA Wealth, where he held several senior management positions across the company’s IT change and strategy functions, and Skandia Life.

Andy Chapman, Chief Executive at The Exeter, said:

“As digital capabilities and new ways of working reshape our industry, Paul will lead the development of our IT abilities to ensure our processes are aligned to the changing expectations of intermediaries, customers, and the protection market. Technology innovation will be key to The Exeter’s growth in the coming year and with Paul’s extensive skills set, I have every confidence he will excel as CIO and prove to be an invaluable addition to our leadership team.”

Paul Smith, Chief Information Officer at The Exeter, said:

“I am delighted to be joining The Exeter and to work with the team as we continue to develop and improve technology within the protection industry and meet the needs of advisers and their customers. Technology will be a core tenet in The Exeter’s growth and development strategy, and I look forward to contributing towards the company’s continued expansion in a highly competitive and challenging insurance market.”

Paul’s appointment is subject to final regulatory approval.