First Central Insurance and Technology Group has appointed Richard Marino as chief governance officer.

Based in Haywards Heath, Mr Marino will manage the risk and compliance and internal audit function, as well as oversee the legal and company secretarial teams. Reporting into CEO, Michael Lee, he will sit on a number of the group’s boards, adopting extensive managerial, legal and reporting responsibilities.

Mr Marino brings over 17 years of insurance and legal expertise across global and European markets. He joins from AmTrust International, the US-owned insurance group, where he served as General Counsel. During his time at AmTrust International, Mr Marino managed the group’s key regulatory relationships, and oversaw a large programme of regulatory change initiatives, including Brexit and several portfolio transfers. He was also responsible for maintaining good governance practices, overseeing the company secretarial team, and sat on various boards within the AmTrust International group as either director or company secretary. Prior to this, he held senior positions at Genworth Financial and RBS Insurance, and led legal teams overseeing the Direct Line and Churchill brands.

Mr Marino said of his appointment: “I’m excited to be joining First Central, a business I’ve always admired for its innovation and commitment to its customers.

“I’m already enjoying working alongside the leadership team and have been hugely impressed by the company culture, where everyone truly lives the company values and is collectively motivated to succeed. I’m really looking forward to shaping the future governance of the business.”

Michael Lee, CEO, First Central Group, added: “I’m delighted that Richard has joined us. With a proven track record of success and a wealth of industry experience across global, European and UK markets, his expertise will be invaluable as we continue our focus on profitable, sustainable growth.”

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