RSA Insurance : Claims Director Bill Paton to be succeeded by Karl Helgesen

Since joining RSA in 2015, Bill has shaped the overall claims strategy for the business and managed operations to ensure RSA fulfils its commitment to customers by paying valid claims fairly and promptly. He also spearheaded the launch of RSA's claims transformation programme earlier this year.

Bill plans to enjoy some time out of the industry before considering consultancy roles within the insurance space. He first joined the insurance industry in 1979, holding several senior roles at Axa over a 20-year period culminating in the position of Operations Director. He then moved on to hold a similar role at Capita Insurance Services before joining Zurich in 2003, where he was both UK and European Chief Claims Officer. Before joining RSA, Bill was CEO of Claims Solutions Group; a subsidiary of DAC Beachcroft.

Having joined the insurance industry as a graduate trainee almost 20 years ago, Karl's experience spans both underwriting and claims and he brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He will join RSA from Zurich where he has held leadership roles since 2008. In his current role as Zurich's UK Chief Claims Officer, Karl's responsibilities have included developing the UK claims strategy and leading the team through a transformation agenda over the past two years.

Bill Paton, Claims Director, UK, Western Europe & Middle East, RSA, said: 'The world of claims has been a fascinating part of my life for the past 37 years. My time at RSA has been a truly enjoyable experience, working with committed and dedicated colleagues within claims and the wider management team. Across the business, there has been a high level of collaboration to ensure our proposition is market-leading and always able to respond to the changing needs of our customers.'

He added: 'We have made great progress in building a responsive and efficient claims programme and I am delighted to hand the reins to Karl. Having worked with Karl before, I have first-hand knowledge of his ability to implement necessary change and to harness the full range of resources for the best outcomes.'

Steve Lewis, CEO, UK, Western Europe & Middle East, RSA, said: 'I would like to thank Bill for his significant contribution to our business and I am pleased he will be continuing his work with us throughout Q1. He kick-started our claims transformation programme by redesigning the strategy around segmentation, specialisation and consolidation. We wish Bill all the very best for the next stage in his career. I'm delighted to be able to welcome Karl to the UK, Western Europe & Middle East Executive Team in 2017 when he will oversee the completion of our claims transformation programme.'

Commenting on his appointment, Karl said: 'I am excited to be joining RSA at a time of transformative change within the claims function and I look forward to working with the team to chart and deliver on the next stage of the journey.'

For more information visit: www.rsagroup.com.

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