The Board of Guardian are delighted to announce that Carlton Hood, former Responsible Life CEO, will be joining the business as CEO on 1 May subject to regulatory approvals.
From this date, Carlton will lead Guardian’s Executive Team consisting of Duncan Mosely, Chief Operating Officer; Nischal Singh, Chief Financial Officer; Hilary Banks, Commercial Director; and Ruth Starsmeare, Group Chief Technology Officer.
Peter Mann, Guardian’s current Interim CEO, and Chairman since 2018, will be stepping into the position of Non-Executive Chairman.
Carlton will be responsible for leading the next phase in Guardian’s journey, as the company cements its position as an established player in the protection market. He’ll be delivering the strategy announced by Peter Mann in October 2024, with a focus on deepening quality relationships with like-minded firms who, like Guardian, are committed to improving customer outcomes.
Carlton brings a wealth of experience to Guardian, including 25 years in financial services. Most recently, he was Group CEO of Responsible Life, a leading equity release broker and lender that’s part of Royal London. During his tenure, the business achieved significant growth. He previously held the role of Chief Customer Officer at Old Mutual (Quilter), where he successfully launched major new investment and protection solutions; and before that was CEO of Confused.com, securing the position of this fast-growing business in the centre of a technology-driven revolution in general insurance.
Carlton has an MBA from INSEAD and a background in strategy and marketing. He is passionate about challenging established financial services to create better outcomes for advisers and customers.
Peter Mann, current Interim CEO, Guardian, said: “The Board and I are delighted to welcome Carlton to Guardian. His experience of driving growth and shareholder value, hand-in-hand with ensuring the right customer outcomes, make him a perfect fit for the next phase of Guardian’s journey. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him at Old Mutual, now Quilter, and his motivation and commitment are second-to-none. We look forward to benefitting from his proven track record of growing businesses in challenging market conditions and building teams that put customers first.”
Carlton Hood, incoming CEO, Guardian, said: “I’ve always believed that financial services, done right, can transform lives. Protection is one of the most powerful examples of this. The UK life insurance market needs fresh thinking – not just to meet regulatory requirements like Consumer Duty or because of the Protection Market Study – but to redefine how protection works for customers and for advisers. Guardian has already built a reputation for service excellence and product innovation. Now, the next stage is to turn that strength into sustainable market leadership. I’m excited to join the team for the next stage of Guardian’s journey, ensuring we stay ahead of change and continue to raise the bar for customer outcomes in the industry.”
-Release ends-
Notes to editors:
Press enquiries to Natalie Robinson, 07789 501146, natalie.robinson@guardianfs.co.uk
Guardian Financial Services is an appointed representative of Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Limited which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
All products are provided by Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Limited and we have an agreement with them to underwrite and issue the protection policies we distribute through the UK intermediary channel.
As an appointed representative of Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Limited, Guardian Financial Services Limited is the market-facing brand under which we promote our proposition and engage with advisers.
Background to Guardian Financial Services, owned by Gryphon Group Holdings
Guardian, the life and protection insurance business, launched in 2018 and pledged to grow the protection market. The brand promise of ‘Life. Made Better.’ reflects the company’s commitment to rethink and reinvent protection for the better; making sure customers get cover that’s easier to understand, simple to buy and designed to never let them down.
Guardian’s business partners
Gryphon Group Holdings is majority owned by Punter Southall Group as the largest equity capital investor. Guardian partners with UnderwriteMe for its Underwriting Engine, Liss Systems, the UK arm of Nasdaq-listed EXL, for its policy administration technology, and Space, for its front-end technology, branding and marketing. Guardian’s reinsurance partners are Hannover Re, Gen Re and Swiss Re.