Affinity Solutions Strengthens Team to Support Growth

Affinity partnership consultancy, Affinity Solutions, has appointed founder and former managing director, Bob Hand as chairman. Neil Batley, formerly commercial director of the consultancy, will take up the role of managing director.

Having founded and run Affinity Solutions for the past 12 years, Mr Hand has now assumed the position of chairman for Text2Insure, in which Fortis UK has a majority shareholding, and will also help Fortis with the development and implementation of its affinity strategy.

Mr Hand said: "Following Fortis UK's acquisition of Affinity Solutions last year, I felt that it was time to refresh the management strategy to enable the business to successfully meet the challenges that lie ahead.

He added: "I am delighted that Neil has been appointed managing director and am confident that he is the best person to drive the company forward. I look forward to continue working with Neil on the business strategy in my role as chairman of the company. I am also looking forward to identifying and developing affinity opportunities for Fortis UK as we drive the business into a new era."

Bringing over 20 years of financial services experience to the role - 12 years of which have been in the affinity industry, Mr Batley will devise and implement the overall business strategy for the consultancy. As managing director, he will also be involved in developing new propositions for the affinity market and will have an integral role in developing, parent company, Fortis UK's affinity strategy.

Having been with Affinity Solutions for seven years, and its commercial director for the past two years, Mr Batley will lead the consultancy's team in developing and delivering a range of strategic partnership solutions to a wide variety of organisations in the financial services, retail and not-for-profit sectors and for clients.

Mr Batley explained: "Affinity Solutions has always been seen as a market leader in terms of affinity strategy and best practice. I have ambitious plans for the consultancy and intend to maintain an interesting balance and variety of work spanning a number of sectors, helping ensure the business continues to lead the market.

"We currently have a healthy mix of work that we undertake for affinity groups and suppliers as well as the work we do for Fortis UK. It's an exciting time for us, as we look to expand the consultancy team, and as we develop our skills outside the UK, where affinity is increasingly on the agenda. I firmly believe we are well-placed to do this," he added.

Affinity Solutions was acquired by Fortis UK in January 2006.

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• Management