Royal London has announced the appointment of Steve Murray into the newly created role of corporate development director.

The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

Murray joins from Aberdeen Standard Investments where he is deputy head of private markets. He started his career at Ernst & Young before moving on to hold a wide range of roles at Standard Life, amongst which was group strategy and corporate finance director where he was responsible for heading up M&A activity for the company.

Kevin Parry, executive chairman of Royal London, said: “Steve joins the company at an exciting time and will be instrumental in helping us to grow our business, drive our strategic agenda and make sure we stay true to our long-term objective of ensuring the best outcomes for our customers.

“Steve has a strong reputation in strategic development.  This, coupled with his strong influencer and communication skills, makes Steve the ideal candidate to join our company at this exciting time in its growth.”

Murray added: “I am delighted to be taking up this newly created role.  It provides a real opportunity to consolidate and strengthen the Royal London brand, seeking commercial opportunities which play to its strengths as a mutual while at the same time maintaining its uniqueness as a customer-owned business.”