Covéa Insurance Plc, the UK underwriting business of French mutual insurance group Covéa, has appointed a personal lines & protection managing director in the form of James Gearey (pictured).

“James has already made a significant contribution to Covéa Insurance since joining the team last year,” noted Covéa Insurance chief executive James Reader. “I’m delighted that he’s now taking on this expanded role and excited to continue to work with him to drive our business forward.”

Gearey will be in charge of all consumer products – spanning motor, home, pet, income protection, personal accident, and life insurance – while continuing to lead the expansion of Covéa Insurance’s distribution strategy.

“Covéa has set itself an exciting and progressive strategy; the remit of this new role enables us to deliver on that strategy, and is supported by the significant investment we are making in our digital transformation,” commented the RSA alumnus who came onboard in April 2019 as corporate development & strategy director. 

“I am delighted to be trusted with this responsibility and, with my team, look forward to playing our part in building our future success.”