Protection services and technology specialists Direct Life has appointed Iain Clark as chief commercial officer.

Clark will lead the firm’s commercial arm overseeing distribution across the company.

He replaces Neil McCarthy who will leave in early 2022 after 13 years at the firm.

Clark joins Direct Life with 25 years’ experience in the protection industry and has led sales and marketing operations in some of the leading protection businesses.

He has also held senior management positions at L&G, Vitality, LV=, and British Friendly.

Direct Life partners with a wide range of networks, directly authorised adviser firms and online intermediaries including LSL’s PRIMIS Mortgage Network.

The firm provides users with a multi-functional protection portal, consumer quote and apply systems.

In January this year, it received investment from LSL Property Services (LSL) to deliver key enhancements to the protection advice market and provide further growth opportunities for its intermediary partners.

Direct Life chief executive Rob Quayle says: “It’s been a really exciting time for Direct Life since the investment from LSL, and Iain’s drive and experience will add a new dimension to our growth and success.

“The importance of life cover has never been more prevalent than over the past 18 months, and we look forward to Iain’s contribution in our objective to make life cover simple for advisers to sell and easy customers to buy, whether they transact online, face to face or by phone.”

Commenting on his new role, Clark adds: “This is a wonderful opportunity for me to help lead the commercial side of the business through its next stage of growth.”