Key Retirement appoints COO

He most recently worked as a consultant focusing on information and communications technology transformation programmes, and was previously a consultant to the CEO of insurance and lending software provider Risk Free, and also at insurer RGA Underwriting.

Other UK based roles include Operations and IT Director at Chase De Vere Mortgages.

The company, founded in 1998 as an equity release specialist, has rebranded its broker arm; Key Retirement, to reflect the expansion of its range of financial services and advice expertise.

Backed by private equity investor Phoenix Equity Partners, who bought a majority stake in KR Group in 2013 for £35million; the company has also restructured last year to enhance its focus on distribution.

Further expansion in the lending and income markets is planned, with new products and services on the way for those in and approaching retirement following the pension reforms.

Recent expansion for the group has included strengthening its proposition for intermediaries in the specialist lending market with the acquisition of secured and unsecured lender V Loans.

Colin Taylor, Chief Executive of KR Group said:

“The appointment of a chief operating officer is another significant move and underlines our ambition to deliver the best possible service to clients and business partners as we expand our operation.”

Chief Operating Officer Michael Schaefer added:

“KR Group’s plans for growth make this an exciting time to join the business. I was struck by the company’s ethos to hold the customer at the heart of all it does and the commitment to continuous improvement. With significant investment in upgrading systems and infrastructure, I look forward to working with the team to develop efficient solutions that improve our customers’ experience and enable ambitious growth plans from our investors.”