Nigel Emson, head of strategy at Swindon-based insurance company Zurich, has been appointed to an advisory board to help tackle lack of socio-economic diversity across financial and professional services.

The advisory board is part of a Government-led taskforce launched amid concern over the number of senior roles held by people from privileged backgrounds.

Research shows nine in 10 senior managers in financial services are filled by people from a higher socio-economic background. Mr Emson is one of five representatives from the insurance industry selected for the 37-strong advisory board, that will shape the taskforce’s work.