Quilter Financial Planning has appointed Rachel Trundle as head of adviser relationships for its mortgage and protection network.

Trundle joins from The Exeter, where she was national account manager.

She brings more than 20 years’ experience across financial services and protection markets, with a background spanning national account management, strategic partnerships, relationship management and business development.

Prior to joining The Exeter, Rachel held national account development roles at Friends Life UK and has also founded and led businesses outside financial services.

In her new role, Trundle will report to Zara Bray, distribution director for Quilter’s mortgage and protection network.

At Quilter she will oversee the relationship management team and work with appointed representative firms across the network.

Quilter distribution director Zara Bray says: “We are pleased to welcome Rachel to Quilter Financial Planning. She brings strong experience in the protection market and a clear understanding of the relationship between providers, advisers and firms.”

“Rachel joins from The Exeter, one of the providers on our protection panel, and has worked closely with advisers across the market. That experience gives her a practical understanding of the support firms need, particularly when it comes to building strong relationships and helping advisers deliver good client outcomes.”

“Her appointment reflects our continued focus on ensuring firms in the network receive consistent, practical support as they develop their businesses and serve their clients.”

Trundle adds: “I’m very pleased to be joining Quilter Financial Planning and to be working with Zara and the wider mortgage and protection network team.”