Guardian has appointed Gower Wisdom as its new chief operating officer, effective 1 November, as the life insurer continues to build out its leadership team and expand its presence in the UK protection market.

Wisdom joins from AUL Assurance, a specialist start-up life insurer, where he served as chief executive and previously chief operating officer.

He has more than two decades of experience in life insurance and wealth management, with senior roles spanning product development, operations and commercial strategy. Earlier in his career he was product director at Skandia, part of Old Mutual Wealth and now Quilter, where he oversaw customer proposition and pricing across UK and international markets.

A qualified actuary, Wisdom also holds an MBA and a diploma in regulated financial planning.

WINNING COMBINATION

Carlton Hood, chief executive of Guardian, said the appointment brought “a winning combination of operational rigour, actuarial know-how and regulatory expertise” to the business.

He added that Wisdom would be “instrumental” in helping Guardian maintain its growth trajectory as the protection industry continues to evolve.

Wisdom succeeds Duncan Mosely, who stepped down as chief operating officer earlier this year. Alongside his appointment, Guardian has promoted Hilary Banks to chief commercial officer, recognising her role in shaping the company’s distribution footprint and commercial strategy.

The insurer said the appointments complete its executive committee, which now includes Hood as chief executive, Nischal Singh as chief financial officer, Wisdom as chief operating officer, Banks as chief commercial officer, Julie Speiser as group HR manager, and Ruth Starsmeare as group chief technology officer.