Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual is delighted to announce that Nick Watson will be joining the main board of the company.

He will take up the role of sales and agency director, subject to regulatory approval, in May.

He will be replacing Nick Turner, who is taking over from current chief executive Lindsay Sinclair on 1st April.

Nick brings more than 30 years of financial services experience; 22 of which have been in insurance – spanning both life and general insurance.

He joins from AXA, where he is currently director for commercial distribution and trading.

Nick also has experience in life insurance products from a commercial role with Aviva UK Life. He spent 13 years in total at Aviva with roles covering personal lines and commercial offerings as well as long-term savings and protection.

He also ran Aviva’s Bancassurance channel and was their European commercial services director.

Lindsay Sinclair, chief executive of NFU Mutual, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nick to NFU Mutual.He arrives with a wealth of experience in the insurance industry and a strong reputation working with broker networks, which we are confident makes him an ideal fit to work alongside our agency network.”

Nick also has experience in underwriting, as chief operating officer for iprism Underwriting for two years. He has also been commercial and managing director for Arista Insurance after starting his career at Barclays.

Nick Watson said: “I am excited to join NFU Mutual, an insurer with a unique and proud history, that is known for being there for its members. I am very much looking forward to contributing to its continued success for both the members and the business.”