MDU appoints new commercial director as digital services grow

The Medical Defence Union (MDU), a mutual membership body offering indemnity and medico-legal support to doctors and dental professionals, has appointed Andrew Archibald to the role of commercial director.

Andrew and team are responsible for leading the development and growth of the MDU’s products and services to 200,000 doctor and dentist members. Having worked in a range of industries including insurance, healthcare and hospitality, Andrew has extensive experience of helping organisations develop and improve their digital services and customer experience.

The MDU has seen increasing demand for its online educational and medico-legal content, which has been freely available to healthcare professionals during the pandemic. Over 48,000 healthcare professionals have attended virtual webinars and educational seminars on topics such as managing complaints and remote consultations and website visitors have increased by over 50% over the past year.

Andrew commented:

“I am proud to join the MDU and was attracted here by its strong values as a not-for-profit mutual organisation focussed on members and its commitment to providing high quality medico-legal services. In this challenging period it’s a privilege to be in a position to serve and support our members and help them navigate unchartered waters.

“I am pleased to work with such an experienced team and look forward to continuing the successful development of our digital services for members.”

Dr Christine Tomkins, MDU chief executive, said:

“Andrew joins us at a time when member satisfaction is at a record high and membership numbers are growing across all sectors.

“We know the NHS is under extreme pressure and understand how vital it is that we support members with the challenges that lie ahead, such as increased complaints and claims. I warmly welcome Andrew to the team and am confident his experience of working for customer-focussed organisations will benefit our members.”

Andrew Archibald

Prior to joining the MDU Andrew worked in senior commercial, marketing and operational roles across a diverse range of industries, including insurance, healthcare and hospitality. Andrew began his career in the NHS as a management trainee and is a Non-Executive Director for Ashgate Hospice, in Derbyshire. Andrew succeeds Nick Dungay who led the department for 21 years and recently retired.