One of the island’s leading players in the insurance and finance sector has made some changes to its management structure.

The International Finance Group (IFGL) has grown since the acquisition of Friends Provident International Limited (FPIL) last year.

The group also owns RL360 and Ardan International Limited.

More than 500 people now work for the group in the Isle of Man, making it one of the biggest employers in the island.

Manxman Mike Crellin, formerly finance and commercial director, has become managing director of IFGL’s insurance division. He has assumed overall responsibility for the day to day operations of the insurance division and oversight of corporate projects. He will continue to report to David Kneeshaw who has taken the role of group chief executive.

Mr Kneeshaw remains chairman of the IFGL executive committee and will also retain overall responsibility for group strategy.

Mr Crellin has also become chairman of the insurance division executive, the FPIL management committee and the Ardan Board. And Mr Kneeshaw remains on these boards and committees.

Alistair Brogden has been appointed IFGL’s finance director and Donald Macleod takes on Mr Brogden’s former role as RL360 appointed actuary.

A spokesman for the group based at International House, Cooil Road, Braddan, said it is important that the strength, experience and structure of the management team is reviewed periodically to reflect growth and ensure it remains appropriate to the needs of the organisation.

The spokesman said: ’While we have enhanced group governance processes and significantly strengthened the skill set and breadth of the management team over the last five years, completion of the FPIL acquisition has been the catalyst for a wider review of the management team structure.

Group chief executive David Kneeshaw said: ’The changes give us greater resilience and strength and depth in our management team.’