The former CEO of Aviva’s life insurance business has been appointed as chairman of master broker Vantage Finance.

David Barral’s appointment follows investment in Vantage Finance from private equity firm, Chiltern Capital, last month.

He will be working with Vantage to grow the business across its current sectors, as well as identifying opportunities to enter new markets.

Barrel has a 35-year career in financial services, joining from Aviva Plc, where until June 2015 he was the CEO of UK and Ireland Life insurance, the largest business unit within the Aviva group.

He is a non-executive director of LV=, non-executive chairman of Virgin Wines, a former chairman of the ABI Retirement and Savings Committee and a regular contributor to Speakers for Schools, the independent education charity.

Barrel said: “I am extremely excited to join Vantage Finance at a time when it is strongly positioned for further significant growth. Over the last 12 years Lucy and the team have established Vantage as a highly respected business in the intermediary market. It has an enviable reputation for its expertise, efficiency, proactive communication, and quality of service.

“I look forward to working with the team to build on this success and achieve our ambitious growth plans.”

Lucy Hodge, managing director of Vantage Finance, added: “Now is the perfect time to introduce someone of David’s calibre to the Board at Vantage Finance, following our recent partnership with Chiltern Capital.

“David’s industry knowledge and experience is invaluable, and we’re delighted that he’s chosen to join Vantage as we embark on the next phase of our growth strategy.”