Unity Mutual Announces Ben Pears as New Insurance Director

Unity Mutual, the financial services arm of non-profit mutual the Oddfellows, has announced the appointment of new Insurance Director – Ben Pears.

This marks an exciting time for the growing company as it continues to provide competitive products that make a real difference to savers nationwide.

Ben arrives in the role with 25 years of financial service experience, having first joined the Oddfellows in February 2021 as part of the transfer of engagements of Kingston Unity Friendly Society.

Ben has gained his extensive experience at a range of big-name firms such as Aviva, Virgin Money, and Barclays, and prior to Kingston Unity he was the CEO for a small disruptive fin-tech business.

As a qualified Investment Manager, Financial Adviser, Project Manager and Marketer, Ben is bringing an array of skills and talent to the role, including a customer-first approach.

Ben Pears, Insurance Director of Unity Mutual: “I’m looking forward to my new position at Unity Mutual as their ethos aligns with what is important to me in my work – ensuring that we put our customers at the heart of everything we do, creating products for them and not for shareholder profit.”

With products including the Junior ISA, which helps to build a savings pot for children, Lifetime ISAs for those looking to buy their first home, and over 50s Life Insurance, the firm takes care of around 345,000 policyholders – the youngest just months old, and the oldest over 90.

Commenting on the new appointment, Jane Nelson, the Oddfellows CEO, said “Along with other appointments we’ve made to our leadership, including the appointment of a new Finance Director, Ben’s appointment marks an important time for our organisation and financial services brand.

“Our mission is to improve the quality of life of our 388,000 members and policy holders and make a difference within our wider communities. Our insurance products are created with our audience in mind. For example, adding an over 50s life insurance product was important to us. With Ben’s direction, I’m excited to see the impact we can have, and the difference we can make.”

Steve Code, who joined the Oddfellows in 2011 as the Insurance Director, is retiring after an impressive 45-year career in financial services. He said, “What an incredible journey it’s been, from launching Unity Mutual as a new financial services brand, through to the development of new products, and achieving growth through acquisitions and new business, whilst ensuring the successful implementation of new regulatory requirements.

“I have been incredibly lucky to have worked with many fantastic people who have shared my vision to deliver excellent customer service, growth and good returns for the benefit of our customers.”