O’Connor will lead the network’s protection offering to its members, and brings over 25 years of protection experience, joining from Royal London where he worked in a protection development and technical role.

He began his career in financial services in 1994 at Friends Provident, working in several technology and protection related roles, and then went on to set up his own mortgage and protection brokerage a few years later.

O’Connor then joined a large financial planning network, where he worked closely with the adviser membership to help improve skills, confidence and knowledge around protection advice.

Martin Wilson, chief executive at The Right Mortgage and Protection Network, said: “With protection such an important area within our industry, now more so than ever, we are delighted to welcome Vincent onboard to really champion protection amongst our membership and beyond.

“I know he will be a very valuable member of the team and to the network’s future and we look forward to working with him.”

O’Connor added: “I am delighted to be joining The Right Mortgage and Protection Network as head of protection, where I want to bring fresh ideas, energy and focus to the subject of protection within the network.

“Arranging mortgages has been one of the clearest and most obvious reasons for advisers to start the conversation with clients about protection because whilst a mortgage helps to get the home, ‘protection’ means the client won’t lose it, should the worst happen.”