Norwich Union Insurance appoints head marketer

Norwich Union Insurance has appointed former Boots marketer Colin Webb as director of marketing, one of its most senior marketing positions.

Webb will oversee advertising, direct marketing and Web development for general insurance, including Norwich Union Direct. He will also oversee its partnerships, including the agreement with Asda to sell insurance products under the supermarket’s brand.

Webb reports to John Kitson, who has moved from director of marketing to become director of retail.

Webb was retail marketing director at Boots, leaving during the restructure which saw head of marketing Ann Francke ousted (MW October 30, 2003). He previously worked for Unilever as European vice-president for e-business and brand development director for Unilever’s European innovation centre.

His appointment follows an unsettled period for Norwich Union. It announced a restructure of its marketing department in September, reducing the overall tally of marketers from 390 to 310 (MW September 30). Director of brand and communications Sally Shire was moved to become director of marketing for Norwich Union Life, but retains overall responsibility for brand.

Norwich Union this year consolidated its advertising business with Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO (MW June 1). Norwich Union, the UK brand of Aviva, is the country’s largest insurer.