Peter Knowles appointed to head new project

The CII is increasing the resource behind its initiative to raise professional standards and increase levels of qualifications in the general insurance sector.

This initiative involves the launch of a new package of services for employees working in contact centres, further development of its general insurance qualifications framework, and engaging with companies to put together training and professional development programmes for underwriting, claims and sales staff.

As part of this initiative, the CII has appointed Peter Knowles as the head of business development in the general insurance market team.

Knowles joins the CII from Norwich Union where he has held senior roles in sales and marketing and was previously seconded to Polaris UK Ltd as strategy and marketing director. Peter is a Fellow of the CII and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Peter will be reporting to Lee Gladwell, director of general insurance markets, who said: "Corporate customers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of professional development and many companies are working closely with us to address skills gaps, to raise the level of professional qualifications and to make insurance an attractive, professional career option. In response to this we are re-packaging our propositions to further support technical, business and soft skills training. Peter's appointment completes our market team for General Insurance and ensures we have the resources and skills to support the market.

Peter's experience in the industry and specifically in product and service development will be a very welcome addition to the team."