Ecclesiastical’s UK general insurance managing director John Blundell (pictured) is retiring next year.

“I’ve had a wonderful 35 years in insurance but, from a personal perspective, the time is right for me to step away from a day-to-day executive role to pursue other interests and opportunities,” stated Blundell, who came onboard the specialist insurer in September 2016.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Ecclesiastical and I will miss the many people inside and outside the organisation that I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”

The MD’s career began at Aviva predecessor company Norwich Union where Blundell was a graduate trainee. Later he co-founded insurance start-up St Andrews Group before moving to Sterling Insurance Group to serve as managing director. In 2015 Sterling was sold to Covéa where Blundell took on the deputy CEO post.

Commenting on the imminent exit, Ecclesiastical group chief executive Mark Hews expressed gratitude and optimism.

“I’d like to thank John for his considerable contribution to Ecclesiastical’s success over the past three years,” said Hews. “Although we will be sorry to see him depart, he will be leaving the UK general insurance business in great shape, well positioned to take advantage of market opportunities going forward.”

Blundell will continue to run the UK general insurance business while Ecclesiastical conducts a search for his successor.