National Savings picks NU head of marketing

Government-owned savings vehicle the National Savings Agency has appointed Norwich Union Healthcare (NUH) head of marketing Anne Custance as marketing director.

Custance replaces Patrick Hickman-Robertson, who retired last month after 27 years with the company (MW February 10).

Custance will take up her post on March 27, and report to commercial director Chris Moxey.

National Savings, which has a &£10m a year ad spend, was rocked by a scandal last year when thousands of premium bonds bought since 1991 were found to be invalid.

Ernie, the machine which picks premium bond winners, also hit the headlines last year when a programming error led to winners not being notified.

The Government last month launched a five-yearly review of National Savings, which could lead to it being privatised.

National Savings is gearing up for a fresh ad campaign to tie in with the beginning of the second year of ISAs in April.

Deputy directors Jack Tochoch and Sue Simpson will take on responsibility for marketing until Custance arrives.

Meanwhile, NUH has promoted communications manager Heather Smith to replace Custance.