Sandy Leitch, chief executive of Zurich Financial Services, is to head the New Deal Task Force – the Government's scheme to take youngsters out of the dole queues.

He replaces another insurance man, Sir Peter Davis, who is currently the group chief executive of Sainsbury's but was more famously known as the chief of Prudential, the Man from the Pru.

The New Deal has been running for two years. Its task force provides independent advice to the Government on the policy and the delivery of the welfare to work programmes in the UK.

Leitch said: “I believe passionately that everyone deserves the opportunity to realise their full potential. The New Deal has offered hope to thousands of people across the UK and made a real difference to their lives.”


The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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