SCOTTISH Friendly has announced what it calls "a major coup" in the appointment as chairman of seasoned plc director Michael Walker. The ambitious Glasgow-based financial services group said Walker had succeeded Graham Webster, its chairman of 15 years, this week.
It said Walker would "capitalise on his wealth of financial services and inter- national business experience to reinforce Scottish Friendly's position as Scotland's largest mutual life office and a competitive financial services group which now manages and administers in excess of £1bn".
Scottish Friendly is pursuing a three-pronged strategy of organic growth, acquisition, and business processing outsourcing. Last year it landed a significant processing contract with Aviva and distribution partnerships with Reader's Digest and Celtic, Rangers and Portsmouth football clubs.
Walker's career includes 12 years as managing partner and later chairman of Maclay Murray & Spens, the Scottish-based UK law firm, 10 years as a director of John Menzies and time as chairman of Lex Mundi, the international legal network.
He currently chairs Walkers Shortbread (no relation), and the London-based financial PR company Broadgate, and is a director of Cornelian Asset Managers.
Fiona McBain, chief executive of Scottish Friendly, said: "Michael Walker is one of Scotland's most well-respected business people he will be a huge asset to the Scottish Friendly board."
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