Standard Life hires IT and operations boss

Insurer integrates IT and operations and starts transformation process

IT will play an important role in Standard Life's transformation agenda

Insurance group Standard Life has announced the creation of a consolidated IT and operations role as well as a transformation director as key to overall growth strategy.

Former chief operations officer at rival RSA (formerly Royal & Sun Alliance) Christian Torkington will take over as group information and operations director from 1 March.

He will develop and implement the company’s IT strategy and the processes underpinning its operations.
Standard Life’s previous IT chief Keith Young retired last month, after working for the firm for more than two decades. IT delivery and support director Bill O’Day has been acting as interim IT director since Young’s departure.

Sandy Begbie, currently HR director at life insurance firm Aegon, will also join as group transformation director.

According to Standard Life, technology will play a "significant" role in the transformation process.