The Exeter has appointed Paul Smith as its new chief information officer (CIO).

Smith (pictured) joins the Exeter’s executive board from Just Group where he was the director of IT.

He will be responsible for driving the development and delivery of the Exeter’s IT strategy.

Prior to his experience at Just Group, Smith worked at AXA Wealth, where he held several senior management positions across the company’s IT change and strategy functions, and Skandia Life.

Andy Chapman, chief executive at the Exeter, said: “As digital capabilities and new ways of working reshape our industry, Paul will lead the development of our IT abilities to ensure our processes are aligned to the changing expectations of intermediaries, customers, and the protection market.

“Technology innovation will be key to The Exeter’s growth in the coming year and with Paul’s extensive skills set, I have every confidence he will excel as CIO and prove to be an invaluable addition to our leadership team.”

Smith added: “I am delighted to be joining The Exeter and to work with the team as we continue to develop and improve technology within the protection industry and meet the needs of advisers and their customers.

“Technology will be a core tenet in The Exeter’s growth and development strategy, and I look forward to contributing towards the company’s continued expansion in a highly competitive and challenging insurance market.”