23 April 2002 - In response to the changes now taking place in the marketplace, Zurich Advice Network is developing a more focused approach to recruitment, particularly for those IFAs who do not see themselves running a wholly fee-based business going forward.
Zurich has taken on a new three-strong team with a specific brief to attract both new and established businesses, and to support Zurich Advice Network's existing recruitment managers. The new recruits were selected because of their IFA recruitment expertise.
Howard Duff has 14 years' experience in financial services, and has worked in recruitment for the past four years. He will be based in the North West.
Andy Murphy, who has 19 years' financial services experience, will be based in Bristol.
Tracey Grancevola, based in Zurich's London, New Cavendish Street office has 10 years' financial services experience.
"We aim to attract the very best in the industry, be they tied advisers or IFAs" said Andy Ferns, Sales Director of Zurich Advice Network.
"We know that many established firms and entrepreneurs setting up new businesses are now taking a good look at themselves and the support they get from host organisations. With the great success of our Franchise and the impending changes to the distribution market, now is the right time to change up a gear and increase our ability to attract even more successful advisers who want to continue to run a profitable business while building up a capital value."
Commenting on Zurich's overall approach Keith Baldwin, chief executive, life distribution, said: "Zurich has excellent experience of working with IFAs through the Zurich IFA Group, and we remain committed to supporting the IFA market. As we move towards a depolarised world, the real issue for all distributors is not their status, but how to run their businesses profitably. We believe Zurich is in a good position to work with, and add value to, all types of distributor as the market changes to meet the demands of the new environment."
Zurich's National Recruitment Director can be contacted on 020 7560 5367.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The Zurich Financial Services Group (www.zurich.com) is a global leader in integrated financial services, providing its customers with solutions in the areas of financial protection (non-life insurance and structured solutions) and asset gathering (life insurance and asset management). The Group focuses its activities on the key markets of North America, UK, Switzerland and Europe, as well as selected other markets where it has or can reach a competitive position. Founded in 1872, Zurich is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It has offices in more than 60 countries and employs approximately 70,000 people.
Zurich Advice Network is the tied distribution arm of Zurich Financial Services, (UKISA) which is part of the Zurich Financial Services Group and comprises the Group's operations in the UK, Ireland and International Businesses.
