Admiral’s UK insurance chief executive to step down

Admiral has announced that Cristina Nestares has decided to step down as the firm’s UK insurance chief executive.

Nestares will be succeeded by Alistair Hargreaves, who currently serves as the deputy boss for the UK.

Nestares joined the insurer to set up the group’s Spanish business in 2005 and took up her most recent role in 2016.

She has decided that now is the right time to leave and will spend more time in her native Spain.

She said: “It has been a privilege to lead the UK business for the last eight years. The business is filled with incredible colleagues who have been key to the growth and diversification of the business.

“I’ve had the honour of holding a range of leadership roles within the group and I’m really proud of everything our colleagues have delivered for customers and our commitment to always do the right thing for them.”

Milena Mondini de Focatiis, chief executive at Admiral Group, added: “Under Nestares’ leadership, the UK business has continued to build on its position as one of the UK’s leading insurers.

“Nestares has a long history of commercial success and leaves behind a business in great shape.

“I am pleased to appoint Hargreaves as chief executive of our UK insurance business. We have a talented leadership team and this is consistent with our strong track record in succession planning and internal talent management.”

Successor experience 

Hargreaves joined Admiral in 2008 and has held a number of senior roles, such as chief operating officer for UK insurance.

He became deputy chief executive for the UK in 2022, with the role seeing him have overall responsibility for customer-facing functions, including operations and claims.

Speaking about taking up his new role, the appointee said: “It is an honour to be able to step up and lead the business which I’ve worked at for almost two decades.

“I would like to personally thank Nestares for the support and counsel she has given me over the years. Admiral is a great organisation and I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to drive growth and continue to be there for our customers when they need us the most.”