You are here: cherry > Press releases for March 2017 > CII appoints Matthew Connell as Director of Policy and Engagement

15 March 2017

The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has appointed Dr Matthew Connell as director of policy and engagement - a role covering the operations of both the CII and Personal Finance Society (PFS).

Connell commenced his new role on 6 March following his most recent position as head of regulatory developments and policy at Zurich. Connell was also previously the chairman of the Investment and Life Insurance Group. As part of the group, Connell worked to bring investment and insurance practitioners together with policymakers to produce better outcomes for consumers, especially on key EU and UK regulatory initiatives.

In the newly created role, Connell has responsibility for managing the development of the CII and PFS’s policy, public affairs and public relations strategy. He will build on the organisation’s existing policy and research work and drive ongoing engagement with regulators and public bodies.

Keith Richards, PFS chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew to our team. Matthew has a strong reputation in the regulatory world and brings a wealth of policy and public affairs expertise, which will be key to building public trust in the power of professional standards in the insurance and financial advice sectors.”

“I look forward to working with Matthew on providing insightful content, which will help our members engage with their clients, and position the CII and PFS as a thought leader in the insurance and financial advice professions.”

Commenting on his appointment, Connell said: “I am excited about joining the CII and PFS at a time of increasing regulatory development.”

“New technology, demographic change and higher expectations from consumers are all demanding new standards of professional and ethical behaviour from the financial services sector. I’m looking forward to working with insurance and financial advice professionals and policymakers to find practical ways to maintain and increase trust in the sectors.”

The CII has also appointed former Nucleus Financial content editor Jun Merrett as content and engagement manager.

The two appointments represent the CII and PFS’s focus on bolstering both organisations’ thought leadership functions.