insurtech Root has engaged Alex Astengo as national manager for its operations in the United Kingdom.

South African-founded insurtech Root has engaged a national manager for its operations in the United Kingdom. In the role, Alex Astengo will establish the company's presence in the country.

This follows the company's entry into the UK last year, as it attempted to widen its market reach.

At the time, the company said the entry into the UK was a "logical next move" for the insurtech, which has over one million active policies on its platform, 55 products available, and a team of 50 people.

Root’s insurance platform enables businesses to create, sell, and administer digital insurance products. It currently operates in Africa, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

The Cape Town-based insurtech announced Astengo's employment, today. It cited his expertise working for software-as-a-service platform-based businesses, which provide solutions to insurers, insurance managing general agents, and brokers.

According to the company statement: "His most recent experience was with Cloud Insurance as head of sales in the UK, and he was formerly chief commercial officer for SchemeServe Insurance Software."

Louw Hopley, CEO and founder, Root, said that Astengo offers “a variety of valuable market knowledge” to the company.

Astengo’s initial task will be to hold talks with insurers, merchants, banks, and telcos to deliver Root’s products across the UK, according to the company release.