British Friendly has announced the appointment of Pouja Barot as its new head of marketing.

Barot (pictured) has been promoted from marketing manager and has been at British Friendly since graduating with a degree in marketing in 2016. She replaces Meredith Illman who is leaving to spend more time with her family.

Barot took a leading role in planning and implementing the marketing strategy supporting British Friendly’s Critical Illness Cover launch in June. Her new role will involve further developing the Friendly Society’s marketing strategy and focusing on growing its product and service quality for members and advisers.

She said: “I’m excited at the opportunity to take on the new role at British Friendly. I started as a marketing Assistant in 2016 and have been able to develop and build my career from within the Friendly Society.

“The protection industry, and the adviser and mutual sector in particular, does so much good and I’m looking forward to helping promote it more widely.”

Natalie Summerson, sales and marketing director at British Friendly, added: “Pouja has been a great asset for British Friendly for many years and we believe promoting from within to senior positions is the right thing to do. She’s developed a strong career in protection with British Friendly and her successful track record over the last year has shown she’s the right person for the role.

“Meredith has done a wonderful job since she joined us in 2015. We’re sad to see her leave and wish her all the best for the future.”