Legal & General has made a number of senior promotions within its general insurance division.

Simon Hird, who was previously head of intermediary as well as overseeing the broker and affinity team, has been promoted to head of broker and intermediary.

With over 12 years’ experience at Legal & General, Hird will be responsible for the distribution of the insurer’s full range of general insurance products via intermediaries and brokers.

Carol Hughes, who joined Legal & General last year as head of regional broker, has also been promoted to head of broker. She will be responsible for bringing together the insurer’s partner and regional broker channels and will report directly to Hird along with Sarah Watts, who takes on the role of head of intermediary and will be managing the field-based team.

Legal & General has also expanded its team of field-based GI development managers. The team will be responsible for growing and strengthening its relationships with a number of key intermediary networks, including Intrinsic, Stonebridge and Mortgage Advice Bureau.

In addition, the business now has a new team of telephone account managers based in Birmingham and managed by team development manager, Sue Galbriath, who will support the field-based team and help develop accounts over the phone.

Cheryl Aguis, CEO, Legal & General, general insurance, said: “These recent appointments are the next step to continue our growing presence in the intermediary and broker markets. It is a time of change in the general insurance market, with greater advancement in technology, data and product innovation in the industry. Under Simon’s leadership, Legal & General will look to expand our offering in 2018 with our partners and this is testament to our continued growth in the home insurance market.”

Hird added: “I am delighted to be starting my new role to help further build and develop our intermediary and broker propositions and relationships across the home insurance division. The expansion of the team not only illustrates Legal & General’s long-term dedication to the market, but also to our customers.

“I look forward to working closely with the team to find innovative ways to provide efficient and smooth journeys for our partners and their customers to further grow our position in the market.”