Hymans Robertson, has appointed Richard Purcell to the role of Technical and Innovation Lead within its Life and Financial Services practice. In this role, he will be driving product innovation services for life insurers.

Richard joins from Vitality, where he was Head of Technical Marketing, working on the development and marketing of innovative new protection and retirement products.  He previously held risk and valuation roles at Pensions Corporation and Willis Towers Watson.

Emma McWilliam, Head of Life and Financial Services at Hymans Robertson comments:

“Richard’s unique combination of experience spanning technology, protection and retirement markets in the life insurance sector adds a further dimension to our multi-disciplinary team.

“Hymans Robertson is at the forefront of helping insurers.  Richard’s first-hand experience at the interface of insurance and technology, and successful track record of launching highly innovative products are critical for supporting successful outcomes for our clients in the next stages of their growth. We pride ourselves on helping the insurance industry increase the accessibility of and create financial and protection products to secure better outcomes for customers.”

Richard Purcell, Technical and Innovation Lead for Life and Financial Services, adds:

“I’m delighted to be joining the leading Life and Financial Services practice at Hymans Robertson, delivering product innovation and strategic support to insurers as they seek growth in their markets. At a time when insurers face challenges from regulation and volatility in the economic landscape, there are significant opportunities for insurers who embrace innovation and new technologies with their in-depth knowledge and capabilities in the market. In doing so value is not only created for themselves but most importantly their customers.

Karen Brolly, Head of Products for Life and Financial Services at Hymans Robertson added:

“Richard’s appointment further strengthens our leading services in product pricing, development and innovation. His experience will build on our reputation for supporting the insurance industry and other financial services players as they adapt and develop innovative products and tools to address the protection and savings gap. 

Hymans Robertson has a strong pedigree in using technology and analytics to create some truly innovative solutions for clients, including Guided Outcomes and Club Vita. So Richard’s appointment means we remain ahead of the game with our clients who are embracing the opportunities that lie ahead. 

Richard is also Editor of The Actuary, the magazine of the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries. In addition, he is a member of the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries working party on Risk Management in a Digital World and a member of the Protection Practitioners Group of ILAG.