The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Group has announced two key additions to its executive leadership team, reinforcing its focus on member engagement and professional development.
Ben Turner has been named executive director of member engagement with immediate effect, while Will Holt will take on the role of executive director of learning from August 3. These responsibilities were previously combined under Gill White, who retired at the end of 2025.
In recent years, the CII Group has prioritised delivering strong member value and enhancing learning frameworks, particularly as firms face increasing pressure to demonstrate competence and deliver positive customer outcomes.
Enhancing Member Engagement
Turner steps into his new position following his tenure as director of engagement strategy. With more than 15 years of experience, he has held senior roles across professional organisations, overseeing memberships ranging from 5,000 to 125,000 across sectors such as IT, sales, and marketing.
Expanding Learning Expertise
Holt joins the CII from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, where he served as managing director of education and training. His background also includes leadership roles focused on entrepreneurship and new revenue streams.
As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, insurers and brokers are increasingly prioritising structured education and formal qualifications. Strengthening leadership in learning is expected to influence how organisations approach training across underwriting, broking, claims, and advisory functions.
Supporting the Professional Journey
CII chief executive Matthew Hill emphasised that both engagement and education are central to the organisation’s long-term strategy across the insurance and personal finance sectors.
The move also highlights the role of the Personal Finance Society (PFS), a CII division representing financial advisers and planners. The PFS continues to promote higher standards of advice, ethical conduct, and consumer trust—areas increasingly aligned with the insurance industry’s broader focus on financial wellbeing.
Driving Modernisation
These appointments are expected to accelerate the evolution of the CII’s learning offerings, including more flexible, digital, and globally accessible programmes. This includes strengthening technical capabilities in underwriting, broking, risk management, and claims, alongside emerging disciplines such as data analytics, cyber risk, and sustainability.
Additionally, the changes signal a renewed focus on supporting professionals throughout their careers—from entry-level roles and apprenticeships to senior leadership—at a time when the industry faces intense competition for skilled talent.
As insurers and intermediaries respond to margin pressures, technological disruption, and shifting customer expectations, the CII’s enhanced emphasis on engagement and education aligns with a broader industry push to demonstrate professionalism and expertise to both clients and regulators.
