KR Group, which trades as Key Retirement, has announced the appointment of Michael Schaefer as its chief operating officer.

Schaefer most recently he worked as a consultant focusing on information and communications technology transformation programmes. Previously he was a consultant to the CEO of insurance and lending software provider Risk Free, and also at insurer RGA Underwriting.

Schaefer started his career in the US, before undertaking roles across the UK and Europe. Other UK based roles include operations and IT director at Chase De Vere Mortgages.

Colin Taylor, chief executive of KR Group said: “The appointment of a chief operating officer is another significant move and underlines our ambition to deliver the best possible service to clients and business partners as we expand our operation.”

Schaefer added: “KR Group’s plans for growth make this an exciting time to join the business. I was struck by the company’s ethos to hold the customer at the heart of all it does and the commitment to continuous improvement.

“With significant investment in upgrading systems and infrastructure, I look forward to working with the team to develop efficient solutions that improve our customers’ experience and enable ambitious growth plans from our investors.”