L&G has appointed Cecilia Furner to the enhanced role of distribution director of retail retirement, leading L&G Home Finance’s distribution team alongside retail annuities.
In the newly created role, Cecilia will help drive more integration across the retail retirement teams, with responsibility for developing sales and business strategies. Cecilia, who joined L&G in 2018, has 25 years of experience in financial services, including senior roles across business development, strategic partnerships and distribution.
The change is being made as the current distribution director of Home Finance, David G Jones, retires after more than four decades in the industry, including 38 years at L&G. David has held a range of senior positions within L&G, including seven years as sales director of its retail protection business.
As part of the changes, Rob Miles, head of intermediary sales, and Nick Birdseye, strategic partner development director, will join Cecilia’s team.
Ali Crossley, managing director of distribution at L&G, said: “The changes to our distribution team’s leadership brings our distribution expertise together, supporting our ambition to build a simpler, better-connected L&G. It also allows us to expand our reach with firms and advisers in the later life finance space - an area that’s becoming increasingly important in retirement planning.
“David has been an incredible force for L&G and the wider industry during his career, championing innovation through data and insight. We wish him the best for his retirement and thank him for his invaluable service to the sector.”
David G. Jones commented: “My 38 years with L&G have been immensely rewarding. I’ve been privileged to work with great teams across the business all with the aim of supporting customers to achieve the best possible outcomes. The distribution team goes from strength to strength, and I’m delighted that Cecilia and her expert team will continue to lead and deliver enhanced services for advisers and clients.”
Cecilia Furner added: “I’m delighted to be taking on this enhanced role and to be joining the Home Finance team in its mission to make equity release a more mainstream product for people looking to achieve their later life goals. These exciting team changes will help drive more integration between our Home Finance and retail annuities businesses.
“I look forward to working with our brilliant expert team as we support our partners and deliver enhanced services for financial planners and their clients.”
