Board appointments for CPP

The York-based firm, whose services include credit card insurance, identity theft protection and mobile phone cover, said Patrick de Smedt will become a director from August 26.

Mr de Smedt joined Microsoft in 1983 and spent 23 years there, serving for three years as chairman for Europe, Middle East and Africa before his retirement in 2006.

Since then he has served as non-executive director on the boards of a number of European companies. CPP said they expected Mr de Smedt to chair the remuneration committee of the board.

Les Owen will join the board from September 21. He has worked for 35 years in retail financial services including 11 years as chief executive of companies listed in UK and Australia, including AXA Sun Life (the life arm of Sun Life and Provincial Holdings) and AXA Asia Pacific Holdings.

He is an actuary and serves as non-executive director on the boards of a number of international companies. CPP said it is anticipated Mr Owen would chair the risk and audit committee.