Hardy was sales director at The Open Market Annuity Service, which was known as Kerr Henderson when he joined.
He has experience in the at retirement market with Prudential, Park Row and Wentworth Rose.
Dean Mirfin, group director at Key Retirement Solutions, said: “Mike joins Annuity People at the perfect time to ensure that in the new pensions landscape it will continue to provide very valuable services to ensure advisers are able to deliver the full range of retirement income solutions.
“Since our acquisition of Annuity People in 2012 the team has worked hard in delivering first class services to advisers and their clients.
“Looking forward Mike’s role is to continue to broaden the client options available ensuring that the service keeps pace with market innovation and continues to support its business to business partners in the new pensions landscape. I would like to wish Malcolm all the best for his retirement, and know that Mike will prove to be a worthy replacement.”
Mike Hardy said: “I am looking forward to bringing my experience, market knowledge and enthusiasm to ensuring that Annuity People is the market leading referral service for advisers.”
Malcolm Thomas initially stayed on after announcing his retirement to help find his successor and lead the expansion of services at Annuity People.
Annuity People has launched such new products as LV=’s 1-year fixed-term annuity and Partnership’s Enhanced Choice, which enables clients to review options after 12 months.
It currently supports around 600 advisers across a range of firms and networks, including Moneygate/Fairstone Financial Management.
Annuity People’s service is being integrated into Key’s Preston headquarters.
