The chief commercial officer at Royal London has been named as the new chief executive of the Preston-based owner of Countrywide Assured.
Chesnara has confirmed the appointment of Steve Murray who has more than 20 years' experience within the life assurance industry and a well-established track record in M&A, wider commercial leadership roles and experience of growing a business in "1825", Standard Life's financial advisory business.
He will succeed John Deane who will be stepping down as group chief executive by the end of the year.
Under Mr Deane's six-year leadership, the listed company has paid its shareholders £171m in dividends and seen the EcV of the group increase by £220m to £637m at December 31, 2020.
Chairman Luke Savage said: " John has made a significant contribution to Chesnara during his tenure, not least to the group's excellent financial track record.
"He will continue at the helm for the intervening period and ensure that there is a seamless handover to his successor.
"Both John and I will carry on delivering and progressing the group's strategic objectives and initiatives.
"So, for our customers, shareholders, staff and other stakeholders, it will feel like 'business as usual' given Chesnara's continued commitment to its existing strategy."
Mr Deane added: "After six years at Chesnara and supporting the chairmanship change from Peter Mason to Luke, the timing is right for me to retire.
"I am not winding down just yet and will enjoy continuing to work with the team to achieve a smooth transition while making sure the group keeps on delivering value to all of our stakeholders."
Mr Murray said: "I am delighted to be joining Chesnara later this year. I look forward to working closely with John and the wider team in my step into the group chief executive role as we look to build on the company's successful and well-established strategy. I am excited by the opportunities we have ahead of us."
