One of Newport’s longest established health insurance organisations has appointed a new chief executive officer.

Martin Ricketts will assume his position at the helm of Plutus Health, following the departure of Andy Wilkins, who is retiring following 11 years with the organisation.

The not-for-profit company provides health plan packages for its personal and corporate members across Wales.

The new CEO will head up the 178-year-old company whose current portfolio of corporate members includes Tata Steel, Pobl Group, Newport City Council, Torfaen County Borough Council and Meritor.

Martin previously spent 40 years working at Barclays, operating in various branches across South Wales, as a corporate relationship manager and latterly as a senior credit quality assurance manager.

Martin is also a volunteer rider and fundraiser for charity Blood Bikes Wales, allowing him to put his love of motorbikes to good use transporting much needed blood to patients in hospitals around the country.

Martin, who lives in Barry, said: “I’m pleased to join the Plutus Health team and begin a new challenge with such an established company.

“Plutus has a great reputation in the area, having worked with many of its clients for decades and it’s a status I will work hard to maintain.

“One of the priorities in my new role will be looking into how we can continue to develop our corporate health plan offering. We have a wide and varied group of corporate clients who are currently reaping the benefits of reducing absenteeism and boosting productivity thanks to their Plutus health plans. I am looking forward to building on this, and evolving our commercial strategy still further.”

Martin takes over the role from Andy Wilkins, who is retiring following a 44 year career in the financial services sector. Andy spearheaded the rebrand of the 178-year-old company in 2014, when it changed its name from Gwent Hospitals Contributory Fund to Plutus Health, in a bid to ensure its future position within the modern health plan marketplace.

Andy said: “I’m confident that Martin’s wealth of experience in the financial services industry will serve him well in his new role at Plutus, and his contacts locally will help add to Plutus’ portfolio of members and continue to see the business grow. I wish him all the best in his new venture.”