Direct Line Group lines up ex-Aviva/AIG veteran for CEO role
UK insurer Direct Line Group has hired a new chief executive officer (CEO) from Aviva who will take up the role in the first quarter of 2024, succeeding Jon Greenwood who has been acting CEO since January 2023.
Adam Winslow has been appointed as CEO of the company, subject to regulatory approval. Jon Greenwood will remain as acting CEO until Winslow joins.
Direct Line said Greenwood has decided to opt out of the CEO role in order to develop a portfolio career and pursue other opportunities, including non-executive roles.
Since May 2021 Winslow has led Aviva’s UK and Ireland general insurance business developing a strategy for both personal and commercial lines for market share expansion and improved profitability. Prior to that, he was CEO of global life at AIG Life and Retirement (now Corebridge) having held a number of general insurance and life insurance roles in his eight years at AIG. Winslow serves on the board of the Association of British Insurers and is a non-executive director at Pool Re.
Danuta Gray, chair of Direct Line Group, said: “The Board is delighted to announce that Adam Winslow is to be our new CEO. Adam has deep expertise in the UK general insurance market and significant leadership experience, spanning two decades across personal and commercial lines insurance. The Board conducted an extensive search and Adam Winslow stood out for his strategic understanding of the sector, outstanding track record of leading high performing businesses and his focus on driving operational excellence to consistently meet customer needs.
“The Board and I look forward to working with Adam in providing high-quality insurance to our customers through our platform of powerful brands and targeting attractive and sustainable returns for shareholders. I would like to thank Jon Greenwood for stepping up as Acting CEO where he has shown commitment, leadership and focus to improve business performance and for his leadership of the successful commercial function before that.”
Winslow, CEO designate, commented: “Direct Line Group is one of the UK’s leading insurers with some of the most recognisable brands in the retail and commercial market. It’s a privilege to be invited to lead DLG into the future, particularly given its rich heritage and passion for serving its millions of customers.
The UK insurance industry is dynamic and always evolving. Delivering great customer service relies on strong strategic vision and the operational capability to execute quickly across a variety of distribution channels. I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues to drive growth, deliver for customers and create long-term shareholder value.”
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