OREANDA-NEWS. Chubb today announced the appointment of Ruth Polyblank, currently Head of Marketing and Customer Strategy, UK and Ireland, to the new role of Head of SME, UK and Ireland.

In 2015, over 99% of the UK's 5.4 million companies were small or medium-sized businesses, each employing fewer than 250 people. However this month's BIBA conference programme highlighted once again the significant issue of underinsurance within the segment.

The appointment reflects Chubb's strategy of meeting the different needs of brokers and clients within its core customer segments and its commitment to giving additional focus to the SME segment in the UK and Ireland.

In her new role, Ruth will have overall management responsibility for Chubb's SME portfolio in the region. She will also focus on digital engagement and new technologies, working with key brokers and other business partners to target new business opportunities. Ruth's current focus on customer innovation will also be a key driver in designing new products for the sector.

Ruth's career spans 16 years in insurance and financial services, including five at Chubb. She joined legacy ACE as UK and Ireland Marketing and Communications Manager in 2010 before assuming her current customer strategy role in January 2013. Ruth previously held marketing roles at Equity, Fusion, CLS and EY.

The appointment is effective 1 June 2016 and Ruth will continue to be based in London reporting to David Robinson, Executive Vice President, Europe and President, UK and Ireland.

David Robinson, Executive Vice President, Europe and President, UK and Ireland, said:

"Innovation and new technologies are driving change in the way small businesses obtain insurance protection. This new role reflects Chubb's commitment to anticipating what our brokers and clients need from us – both in terms of the products and how we deliver them. 

"Ruth's strong marketing expertise, innovative mindset and propensity to challenge the status quo will be instrumental in creating new ways to support our brokers with SME portfolios. I greatly look forward to working with her in this important new role."