Standard Life appoints MD of retail intermediary

Chris, with over 30 years’ experience of the intermediary market, will lead an expanding intermediary adviser channel with responsibility for distribution strategy and technical engagement and support with advisers across the UK.

Chris joins Standard life from LV= where he was responsible for increasing its adviser market share, having previously held senior management roles at Aegon, Friends Life and Aviva.

He led the introduction of variable annuities to the UK, has created offshore bond distribution with UK advisers and led sales and distribution teams through servicing platform migrations.

Colin Williams, managing director of pensions and savings at Standard Life, said: “The adviser market continues to go from strength to strength as it supports its clients to effectively plan their financial futures and manage life’s big events. Chris’ appointment is a signal of our renewed commitment to the adviser market where we intend to build on Standard Life’s long heritage and experience of working alongside advisers and their clients.

“Backed by significant investment we are laying the foundations to steadily grow our capability in the retail savings market. Chris will begin building our distribution footprint, recruiting the best in the business while creating a support and service focused offering for advisers. He has extensive experience across all aspects of intermediary distribution with strong relationships in wealth management, corporate and specialist practices sectors of the market and he’ll make a significant contribution to achieving our growth ambitions and as part of our leadership team.”

Chris Hudson said: “This is a fantastic time to be joining Standard Life as the business benefits from significant investment and we begin to grow our presence in the adviser market. I look forward to establishing a market-leading adviser focused distribution team and to providing not only the product solutions but also the service and support they need to service their clients’ savings and retirement needs.”