Debbie Kennedy to leave Royal London for Australian insurer

Based in Melbourne, Debbie will start her role in October and is responsible for New Business and Underwriting operations including the Chief Underwriter role.

Debbie Kennedy said: “It will be sad to leave my colleagues and team at Royal London who have helped me deliver against my objectives to bring insurtech and innovation to the UK protection market. I am looking forward to turning my attention to the Australian market as the role represents a significant opportunity to drive change and innovation within a bancassurance and intermediary business. The challenge to realise and execute technology driven innovation is hugely attractive to me. MLC Life Insurance is a leading player in the Australian market and now has the strength of the partnership with Nippon Life to realise its ambition to become the leading and most trusted life insurer.”

Ewan Smith, Proposition Design and Market Engagement Director at Royal London, added: “During her time with the business Debbie played a central role, building a strong protection proposition and leading our protection strategy. Our market share and reputation in the Intermediary Protection market is stronger now than it has been for many years.

“I would like to thank Debbie for her hard work and dedication and wish her well in her new challenge overseas.”