Protection and health provider, the Exeter, has announced the appointment of Claire Hird as its new customer service director.

Hird (pictured) will oversee the underwriting, claims, and customer service functions.

Before joining the Exeter, Hird was operations director at Legal & General, where she was responsible for all customer-facing activity across the company’s insurance business. She initially joined Legal & General in 2010 as head of sales and service.

As customer service director, Hird will be joined at the Exeter by two further appointments: Sharon Smith joins as head of business readiness, with Tim Weaver joining as head of operational planning & workflow.

Isobel Langton, the Exeter‘s chief executive, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Claire to The Exeter. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am passionate about customer service and the people who deliver it.

“Claire shares that passion and brings a wealth of experience to the role; I am excited about working together and seeing what we can achieve in the future.”

Hird added: “I am pleased to have joined The Exeter at such an exciting time. Whether it’s online, via email, letter or telephone, every interaction we have with a member or adviser is an opportunity to exceed their expectations.

“I am looking forward to getting to know our teams and collaborating to deliver positive customer experiences that set us apart from our competitors.”