Towergate Health & Protection has announced the appointment of Diane Whalley as business development manager (BDM) for group risk.

Whalley (pictured) will be managing the desk-based group risk adviser team, helping to grow the business through new clients and recruitment. She will also provide management support to David Willaims, head of group risk, with new business initiatives, people development, process efficiencies and more.

With 30 years in the employee benefits industry, Whalley is experienced in working for providers and advisers in both healthcare and group risk. Whalley joins Towergate Health & Protection from Mercer Marsh Benefits and has also held long-standing posts with Bupa and Friends Life. She has strong experience of managing both client portfolios and people.

Whalley’s appointment takes the specialist group risk department at Towergate Health & Protection to a 40-strong team.

Williams said: “We have seen excellent growth in our group risk business, and we will continue to invest in it.

“Our strategy is to employ the best talent and the most experienced employee benefits consultants to realise that growth. We are, therefore, delighted that Diane is joining the team.”

Diane Whalley, new business development manager for Towergate Health & Protection, added: “This is an exciting time to join the company as it continues to grow and develop further client propositions.

“I am looking forward to using my knowledge of the employee benefits market to help establish new initiatives and offerings that will benefit the clients and their employees alike.”