Global insurer Metlife has partnered with Everest, a funeral planning and concierge service firm, to serve its group life business.
As part of this initial three-year exclusive arrangement, MetLife will offer funeral support services to more than 1.4 million UK employees, via its Group Life insurance arrangements.
The partnership marks Everest’s entry into the UK market and its first venture outside of North America, where it has a customer base of more than 25 million and has operated since 2001.
Everest’s UK business will be led by chairman, Mark Wood who has previously held senior roles including CEO of AXA UK, CEO of Prudential Europe, and founder of pension buyout firm Paternoster. He is also currently chair of Pension Bee.
As part of the new arrangement, MetLife’s Group Life customers in the UK will be able to access comprehensive end-of-life planning services and extensive support to help their families in the event of their death.
Mark Duffey, president and CEO of Everest Funeral Package, LLC, said, “For years, Everest has been a continent-wide service to help streamline and simplify the process for grieving families.
“Expanding into the UK was the natural next step, and we are thrilled to welcome Mark Wood to lead this expansion. His significant expertise in the UK insurance markets will enable us to provide many more families with significant additional support during an incredibly challenging time.”
Mark Wood, chairman of Everest, added, “Coming out of the pandemic, the perceived need for protection and life insurance has never been greater. Through our partnership with MetLife, we will be here to help millions of UK households to organise their affairs and provide further piece of mind, knowing that their loved ones will be taken care of, now and in the future.”
Earlier this year, Metlife partnered with Family First, a technology-powered caregiving support benefit, to tackle ‘caregiver burnout’.
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