The Board of Gryphon Group Holdings Limited are delighted to announce that former Bankhall and Skandia UK CEO, Peter Mann, is joining the business as Chairman. The news comes after Gryphon announced it had reached agreement to acquire the 200-year old Guardian Assurance Limited company, allowing them to use the Guardian brand name for their new protection business.

Peter brings to the new Guardian a wealth of experience from his lengthy career in the advice and investments industry. His background includes time as an independent financial adviser, before moving to leading advisory firm, Bankhall, where he worked for six years, with four as CEO. During his tenure, he sat on the Association of Independent Financial Advisers (AIFA) council.

When Bankhall was sold by Skandia, Peter was invited to sit on the Skandia Board, later becoming CEO of the UK business. In 2006 Skandia was acquired by Old Mutual and in 2008 Peter became Vice Chairman of the Old Mutual Wealth Group UK.

Simon Davis, CEO of Gryphon Group Holdings Ltd, said: “Peter’s vast experience – both adviser and provider side – will be a huge asset to Guardian as we look to take our new protection business to market. Advice is crucial to our vision to protect more families and Peter’s credentials as an ‘adviser champion’ cannot be rivalled.”

 

Jonathan Punter, CEO of investors Punter Southall Group, said: “The Board are delighted with the appointment – Peter brings a wealth of distribution insight and is highly regarded by our strategic partners. Together with the rest of Gryphon’s senior management, we are confident that the team have the skills, passion and deep industry expertise required to make the new Guardian a resounding success.”

Peter Mann, Chairman of Gryphon Group Holdings, said: “The protection market is ripe for disruption and I feel very excited to be joining such a dynamic business at what feels like the right time for innovation. The team are passionate about their vision to protect more families and I’m looking forward to helping them bring that vision to life.”