UK health and life insurer The Exeter has today announced the appointment of James Shepherd to the Board of Directors, as a Non-Executive Director, effective 2nd February.
Shepherd joins The Exeter after concluding a 37-year career at Swiss Re and GE Capital, where for the last 14 years he has moved between the roles of COO of the global reinsurance business, serving as Chief Transformation Officer for the Group, and leading the global in-force life and health business.
From his early career in underwriting, through extensive experience in operational, data, and technology management, to his global leadership of valuation and claims functions, he brings exceptional breadth and depth of expertise that will greatly benefit the organisation.
Shepherd also brings 25 years of transformation expertise spanning technology, process improvement, organisational design, and governance. This experience will further strengthen The Exeter’s position in the UK health and life insurance sectors.
James Shepherd, Non-Executive Director at The Exeter, commented:
“I am thrilled to join the team at The Exeter, a business that I see as truly trying to close the protection gap by designing products for traditionally underserved customer segments. Peter Hubbard and Isobel Langton have set out to expand what they provide for their members, and I look forward to helping them deliver on this ambition.”
Peter Hubbard, Chair of The Exeter, added:
“It’s a privilege to welcome James to the Board and to The Exeter. He brings an exceptional depth of experience across health and protection, combined with his strong track record in governance, operations and transformation initiatives within our sector.
As a mutual, our long-term focus is on improving outcomes for our members and supporting advisers in closing the protection gap. James shares that commitment and it will be a pleasure to work closely with him as a Board member.”
ENDS
PR Contact
Tom Stewart-Walvin, Rostrum
T: +44 (0)7855 689 302
E: theexeter@rostrum.agency
About The Exeter
The Exeter is a leading protection and healthcare insurer who have been supporting UK families in the event of ill health or injury since 1888.
Formerly known as the Exeter Friendly Society and Pioneer Friendly Society, The Exeter is a mutual friendly society. This means it’s owned by members and run for their benefit, rather than shareholders.
The Exeter is a trading name of Exeter Friendly Society Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Register number 205309) and is incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992 Register No. 91F with its registered office at Lakeside House, Emperor Way, Exeter, England EX1 3FD.
MKTG542 | JANUARY 2026