Aviva’s Poole to reunite with Winslow at DLG as CFO

Direct Line Group (DLG) has snapped up Aviva’s Jane Poole as its new chief financial officer.

Poole is set to join the insurer in October 2024 and will succeed Neil Manser, who has been in the post since January 2021.

The move will see Poole reunite with Adam Winslow, who left Aviva in 2023 to become DLG’s new chief executive.

At Aviva, Poole served as chief financial officer for the UK and Ireland General Insurance business.

The announcement of her appointment comes after DLG said it saw a “significant opportunity to remove at least £100m of costs by the end of 2025 on a run-rate annualised basis”.

This came after DLG revealed that it saw an operating loss from its ongoing operations of £189.5m in the 12 months to 31 December 2023.

Poole said she was joining the insurer at an “important time” and was “motivated to drive business performance to realise the significant potential ahead for the group”.

“I am looking forward to joining the board and leading the finance function as the organisation looks to drive growth, deliver on its commitments to serving its millions of customers and creating long-term sustainable shareholder value.”

Manser

Meanwhile, DLG said that Manser will remain as chief financial officer until Poole arrives to ensure an orderly transition of responsibilities.

Manser has been with the group since 2011 and chief financial officer since January 2021.

The insurer said he “was instrumental in the group’s successful IPO in 2012 and has helped to steer the business through a series of external challenges in recent years”.

“I would like to thank Neil Manser for steering the group through what has been a challenging time and the part he has played in stabilising the business for the future,” Danuta Gray, chair of DLG, said.

Speaking about Poole, Gray added: “Jane has impressive experience in the UK general insurance market and an enviable record of success in leading teams in personal and commercial lines insurance.

“The board conducted an extensive search to secure such a high calibre appointee and I am confident that Jane Poole will be a great asset to our organisation.”