Earlier this month, the company said that in a bid to launch financial products faster, increase their scale and profitability.

Standard Life has said technology supporting its growing online presence is a "key enabler" in its bid to launch financial products faster, increase their scale and profitability.

Based at the company's headquarters in Edinburgh, Ratcliffe will be responsible for improving the efficiency and developing Standard Life's digital platforms, which include the consumer website, standardlife.co.uk and the extranet for financial advisers, adviserzone.co.uk.

In addition, Ratcliffe will take charge of new digital channels for the business, such as mobile applications and social networks.

Ratcliffe joined from media company Claverley Group, where he was head of digital for five years. His background also includes being director of interactive TV at 24/7 Real Media and a role as new channel manager at Centrica.