Scottish Equitable poaches top Nationwide marketer

Aegon, parent company of Scottish Equitable, has appointed Nationwide marketing director Steve Clode to the new role of director of marketing and customer strategy. It has also poached Royal Bank of Scotland retail banking managing director Feilim Mackle as part of a push to expand its retail offering.

Clode, who joins the company later this month, will be responsible for brand development and marketing, including sponsorship strategy, across the business. Mackle replaces Peter Dornan, who is moving to the new role of director of partnership and distribution development and affinity group marketing.

Clode is credited with creating Nationwide’s “Proud to be Different” campaign and he also managed the financial services brand’s England team sponsorship.

Aegon UK ran its first ad campaign in May last year to raise awareness of its financial strength and expertise among business decision-makers. Its portfolio includes Scottish Equitable, which it acquired in 1994, and financial-advice brand Origen.