Norwich Union Australia has taken on a new leading man after the retirement of Rob Garnsworthy as the group’s CEO. He is Allan Griffiths, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry.

Fifty year-old Mr Griffiths started with Norwich in 2001, and currently is MD of Norwich Union Life and Group Director of Distribution. He will officially assume his new role on April 24.

He has held a range of senior roles with the Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society, Colonial, Prudential Assurance and the old Bank of New South Wales.

For the past two years Mr Griffiths has been responsible for the development of Norwich’s group distribution channels and has worked closely with the developers of the new “Navigator” system.

Despite the challenges the falling equities markets have recently provided, Mr Griffiths remains positive about Norwich’s outlook. “The reinvestment and realignment which has been undertaken at Norwich over the past two years will position the company to capitalise on the rebound,” he said.