FBD has announced the appointment of John Cahalan as Chief Commercial Officer, subject to Central Bank approval.

Cahalan is expected to join in late July and is said to bring a wealth of insurance experience, having spent the last 11 years with AXA.

In his most recent role as Head of Sales and Distribution, Cahalan had responsibility for 250 staff and for the AXA branch network, its product proposition, call centres and online channel.

Prior to working with AXA, his career was with GE Capital. He has a Bachelors’ Degree in Economics from University College Cork and an MBA from University College Dublin (UCD).

The CEO of FBD, Fiona Muldoon, said: “I am very pleased that we are in a position to attract a candidate of John’s calibre and experience.

“He brings in-depth insurance expertise to our FBD senior team as we continue with our exciting plans for both new and existing farm, business and consumer customers,” she said.

Cahalan will replace Jim Ryan who recently left the role as Chief Commercial Officer.

Former Glanbia Chairman appointed

Last week, it was revealed that FBD Holdings Plc had appointed Liam Herlihy as Chairman of the insurance company, replacing Michael Berkery, effective immediately.

Herlihy joined the FBD board in September 2015, having previously served as Group Chairman of Glanbia Plc for seven years until May 2015.

FBD said in a statement that Herlihy has the right attributes for the position and brings “a wealth of commercial experience and some deep insights into the farming and general agricultural industries in Ireland which combine to make up FBD’s core customer-base”.

Herlihy completed the Institute of Directors’ (IOD) Development Programme and attained a certificate of merit in Corporate Governance from UCD.

Outgoing Chairman Michael Berkery commented on current trading during his address to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, which was held last week.

FBD continues to make progress in improving profitability, helped by strong underwriting actions and favourable weather year-to-date.

“We have maintained excellent levels of retention of key customer groups through our strong customer relationships and the level of service we provide,” he said.