Norwich Union hires group director

Norwich Union has hired David Sims, marketing director of Allied Dunbar and the man responsible for the “There may be trouble ahead” push through Grey, to fill the new role of group marketing director. He is responsible for co-ordinating mark-eting for the insurance giant’s four operating companies.

Norwich Union started the search in September for a high-level candidate to handle the marketing of its operating companies – life and pensions; household and motor; investments; and healthcare. At present, all branding campaigns require the approval of the general managers of each operation.

The first task for Sims will be to oversee the creation of a new branding campaign through Norwich Union’s agency, Saatchi & Saatchi.

Sims was only promoted from brand director to marketing director of Allied Dunbar last month, when the previous post holder, Jerry Grayburn, was moved to be head of IFA marketing (MW November 15).

Sims began his marketing career at Lever Brothers, and is a director of the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers.