National Friendly has promoted its technical lead underwriter John Fotheringham to head of underwriting, as the mutual prepares to expand into new underwritten markets this year.

The appointment follows six years at the Society for Fotheringham, during which time he has expanded the underwriting team to support growth and planned product development.

The mutual said its underwriting capability has become a central part of its proposition, particularly in delivering swift decisions and experienced case handling for advisers and their clients.

In his new role, Fotheringham (pictured) will take responsibility for maintaining competitive underwriting outcomes, shaping overall underwriting philosophy and leading the development of the firm’s rules engine.

Fotheringham said: “National Friendly has undergone significant transformation during my six years with the Society, and I am proud to have contributed to the progress we have achieved.

“The underwriting team has played a pivotal role in driving the business forward, and I am excited about supporting our continued growth and ongoing advancements in underwriting innovation.”

Duncan Reeves, chief operating officer at National Friendly, added: “John has been instrumental in developing our underwriting service over the last six years.

“We have developed a reputation for fast underwriting decisions using experienced staff, even where customers can struggle to obtain mainstream insurance.

“Our Accident Only Income Protection and Friendly Shield offerings mean that we always have some form of protection insurance cover we can offer to customers, underlining our commitment to be the champion of the underserved.”

The promotion comes as National Friendly signals further development of its underwritten proposition in 2026, with underwriting positioned as a key differentiator in adviser support and product delivery.