The former UK chief executive of Ageas has joined GI provider Uinsure.

Barry Smith (pictured), who led Ageas UK for over a decade before being appointed chief operating officer of the global brand, has been appointed a non-executive director of Uinsure.

During his time at Ageas Smith was credited with establishing the largest insurance partnership in the UK market, Tesco Underwriting Ltd and developed new insurance partnerships with brands including John Lewis and Age UK.

Simon Taylor, chief executive officer at Uinsure, said: “We’ve made no secret of the fact we have ambitious growth plans for Uinsure and over the last couple of years we have been bolstering our team in order to support these plans. Barry’s appointment helps us to take the next step in that journey and I am delighted to welcome him to the board.

“In the insurance world Barry’s name is synonymous with innovation and success. His achievements at Ageas are testament to that. His tireless work in the Industry as Past President of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and former chair of both the ABI property and motor committees demonstrate why so many of his peers hold him in such high esteem. His experience, foresight and commitment to delivering only the highest possible standards make him the perfect fit for Uinsure and I look forward to working with him in cementing our place as the intermediary market’s preferred provider.”

Smith, who amongst other commitments will continue in his role as non-executive director on Ageas Boards in the UK, Portugal, Turkey and Italy, said: “I am thrilled to be joining Uinsure. Simon Taylor and his team have developed a proposition that is truly market-leading, giving brokers a fast, efficient and straightforward way of maximising their GI offering and revolutionising the way policies are sold.

“I have worked with the broker market for many years and understand the need to listen and respond to their feedback and deliver on their requests. Simon and his team excel at this and as a result Uinsure has established itself as the leading player in the intermediary sector. I am delighted to be coming on board at such an exciting time for the firm.”