RSA's Markey jumps to Post Office

RSA Insurance chief marketing officer Pete Markey is joining the Post Office as the troubled insurance giant looks to slash costs and overhaul its central marketing operation.
Markey was promoted to spearhead the marketing across RSA’s entire UK business in May 2011, following the departure of Clare Sheikh who left without a job to go to; he was previously marketing director of RSA subsidiary More Th>n.
An RSA spokesman said the business had not yet decided whether it will directly replace Markey, adding that it is currently reviewing the central marketing structure.
The group needs to cut costs, having been hit by a £244m loss in 2013. This was triggered by accounting irregularities in Ireland and hefty claims due to poor weather. It revealed a £748m refinancing deal earlier this week; VCCP and VCCP me handle the company’s marketing account.
At the Post Office, Markey is to take on the new role of chief marketing officer. He will report into chief commercial officer Martin George.
Markey said: “I’m excited about this opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to marketing at The Post Office. It has 11,500 outlets in the UK and lots of customers walk through its doors every day – it really is a destination point.”
He joined More Th>n in March 2006 from Onetel, where he was head of marketing operations. Markey was previously marketing communications manager at the AA, and head of DM at British Gas.