Legal & General has appointed Cecilia Furner to the newly created role of distribution director for retail retirement, bringing together leadership of the home finance distribution team with that of retail annuities.
Furner (pictured), who joined L&G in 2018, has more than 25 years of experience in financial services, spanning business development, strategic partnerships and distribution.
In her enhanced role, she will be responsible for developing sales and business strategies across retail retirement and for driving closer integration between teams.
She takes over from David G Jones, who is retiring at the end of the year after more than four decades in the industry, including 38 years at L&G. Jones will hand over leadership of his distribution team to Furner from 1 November.
During his career he has held a number of senior positions, among them seven years as sales director of L&G’s retail protection business.
As part of the changes, Rob Miles, head of intermediary sales, and Nick Birdseye, strategic partner development director, will move into Furner’s team.
Ali Crossley, managing director for 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.”
Jones said his 38 years with the group had been “immensely rewarding” and praised the distribution team for going from “strength to strength”.
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.”
