FUW Insurance Services Ltd, Wales’ largest agricultural insurance broker, has announced the appointment of Karen Royles as its first female Executive Director following approval by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Karen, who lives in the Wrexham area, joins the Board as Operations and Sales Support Director, bringing a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held various positions within the organisation.

With a background in the hospitality sector, Karen joined FUW Insurance Services Ltd as an insurance account handler at the Ruthin office on a 6-month maternity cover contract in November 2015.

Over the past nine-years, she has gone on to be promoted to several roles within FUW Insurance Services Ltd and FUW Ltd, including Administration Manager, and currently serves as Group Operations Manager - a position she has held since March 2022.

Karen’s appointment to the FUW Insurance Services Ltd Board of Directors sees her become the first female to be appointed executive director to the Board, and follows the appointment of prominent businesswoman, Ann Beynon OBE as FUW Insurance Services Ltd Chair in 2023 - becoming the first female to hold the position.

Responding to her appointment, Karen Royles said: “I am honoured to be appointed to the FUW Insurance Services Ltd board of directors, and look forward to continuing to use my knowledge and experience to help provide key insurance services for communities and businesses across Wales.

"In particular, I’d like to recognise and thank the incredible support I’ve received from all in the FUW Insurance Services Ltd and FUW Ltd teams over the past 9 years.

"I started at an entry level position in the company and am grateful that a business which prides itself on building a structure for staff development at all levels can prove that commitment through their support for my career path over the past nine years.

"I look forward to the new challenge, and will strive to build on FUW Insurance Services Ltd’s position in the agricultural and commercial market.”  

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Ann Beynon OBE, Chair of FUW Insurance Services Ltd Board, welcomed Karen’s appointment and said: "I am delighted to welcome Karen to the FUW Insurance Services Ltd Board of Directors.

"In an industry where women remain underrepresented, her appointment to such a senior role is to be welcomed.”

Having worked closely with Karen over recent years, I have no doubt her vast expertise and experience - from account handler to head office - will strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional services and support for members, and continue to ensure the long-term success of FUW Insurance Services Ltd as one of Wales’ leading insurance brokers.”