The Guardian announced the appointment of Carlton Hood as the new CEO, effective May 1 but with regulatory approval.
Hood, the former team CEO of responsible life, will take over the leadership of the Guardian executive team.
These include Duncan Mosely (Chief Operating Officer), Nischal Singh (Chief Financial Officer), Hilary Banks (Business Director) and Ruth Starsmeare (Cross Technology Officer).
Guardians provide life, critical illness and other products covered by income.
Peter Mann, who has served as interim CEO and chairman since 2018, will serve as non-executive chairman.
Hood will be responsible for delivering the strategy outlined by Mann in October 2024, focusing on strengthening partnerships with companies that share guardians’ commitment to improving customer outcomes.
Mann said: “The board and I are pleased to welcome Carlton to the Guardian. His experience in increasing growth and shareholder value while prioritizing customer outcomes makes him a perfect fit for the next phase of the Guardian journey.
“I’m so happy to work with him on old debris, his motivation and commitment are second to none.”
Hood has over 25 years of experience in financial services and has joined Guardian after leading a responsible life, a stock release broker and a lender to London Royal London. During his tenure, the business grew significantly.
His previous roles included the Chief Client Officer of Old Mutual (now Quilter), where he launched major investment and protection solutions, and the CEO of Confucd.com, who helped drive the company’s growth in the company’s technology-driven transformation in general insurance.
Hood holds an MBA from INSEAD and has a professional background in strategy and marketing.
“I always think that doing financial services right can change lives,” Hood said. “Protection is one of the most powerful examples.”
“The UK life insurance market needs new thinking – not only to meet regulatory requirements, but also to redefine how protection works for clients and consultants.”
He added: “The Guardian has built a strong reputation in service and innovation. The next phase is to transform it into sustainable market leadership.
“I’m excited to join the team and help ensure we stay ahead of the curve and continue to improve the bar for customer outcomes.”
