Payne was previously chief executive at Bupa Health Assurance.
Andy Briggs, chief executive officer at Friends Life, said: “Steve Payne's new appointment underlines our plans for expansion in the protection market. We are fully focussed on developing a single, compelling protection proposition for Independent Financial Advisers comprising the optimum elements of each of the three historic brands. Steve's skills and experience will prove invaluable as we complete this process."
Payne said: “"I am tremendously excited to be leading the Friends Life protection business at such a crucial time. We have a hugely compelling offering and the challenge ahead of us is to ensure we develop something truly innovative for the market."
