UK General hires former Paymentshield director to newly created role

UK General has hired Colin Matthews as product development manager.

In his newly created role, Matthews, the former insurance relations director at Paymentshield, will be responsible for reviewing and developing UK General’s niche and specialist insurance products. He also spent four years at Arthur J Gallagher as an associate broking director.

Additionally, Matthews will lead UK General’s focus on product issues relating to the FCA’s thematic reviews and other regulatory matters.

The insurer has also appointed Charles Coburn, the former head of sales in finance and insurance sectors at Mapfre Assistance, as schemes director.

He will be responsible for managing some of UK General’s existing key accounts, in addition to working with the team to develop new relationships and opportunities to support the group’s growth plans.

UK General schemes managing director Karen Beales said: “The new product development manager role occupied by Colin is designed to identify new specialist products that enhance our existing portfolio of niche scheme options for our clients and ensure they meet the demands of both consumer and regulator.”

“Meanwhile, the experience Charles has in niche, personal lines business – such as home,  motor ancillary and warranty – fits very closely with the strategic development of UK General’s schemes business.

“Together, they complement our growing team of highly experienced experts who are tasked with growing UK General’s schemes business and satisfying the diverse schemes requirements of our broker partners nationwide.”

Other recent hires in UK General’s schemes business include Stella Jones as director of travel, Steve Boreham as schemes underwriter and Christian Burton as business development manager for the South East.