What's in a name?

clock •

News revealing Royal London has headhunted a boss from outside to head up its new IFA division - handling life, pensions, offshore and protection business lines - raises significant questions about brand intent going forward.

The official line is John Deane, formerly of Old Mutual, will not be taking up his post fully until late March or April, until which time the role will be filled by group chief executive Mike Yardley. Further details of the new IFA division are as yet unavailable as it is only just starting up in January. That said, the beauty of a blog is it allows for some interesting speculation - for which I, obviously, alone take full responsibility!. Think for a moment of activities in the industry earlier this year, specifically around branding changes involving Aegon and Scottish Equitable. Thin...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Succession Alliance launches first profession-wide succession survey

Succession Alliance launches first profession-wide succession survey

Open to people in all roles working in financial planning firms

Sophia Panayi
clock 29 September 2026 • 1 min read
The future of our profession will benefit from greater collaboration

The future of our profession will benefit from greater collaboration

'The profession continues to operate and evolve in an environment of profound change'

Keith Richards
clock 28 September 2026 • 4 min read
Burnham to propose social care plans at general election

Burnham to propose social care plans at general election

Aims to be preventative

Jaskeet Briah
clock 28 September 2026 • 2 min read