Davies appoints new group chief financial officer

Davies has snapped up Amber Wilkinson as its new group chief financial officer.

Wilkinson will join Davies later this year and report directly to group chief executive Dan Saulter.

She will also join the firm’s group executive committee.

“I am thrilled that we have been able to attract someone of Amber’s calibre and ambition to Davies and I am delighted to welcome her as our new group chief financial officer,” Saulter said.

“Amber’s experience in international business, professional services, insurance and M&A is a great fit for Davies as we seek to execute an ambitious future strategy.”

‘Pivotal time’

The appointee, who is a chartered accountant, joins from global law firm DLA Piper, where she served as chief financial officer.

Prior to DLA Piper, Wilkinson spent more than a decade at Axa.

At Axa, she served as chief financial officer of Axa Health, chief financial officer of Bluefin Insurance and head of mergers and acquisitions at Axa UK and Ireland.

Wilkinson said she was “excited” to be joining Davies at what is a “pivotal time as the business seeks to further internationalise and invest in technology and client service”.

“Davies has delivered impressive growth over the past decade, while also holding on to a great culture, supported by its employee ownership programmes,” she added.

“I look forward to working with Dan and the wider leadership team as we deliver for our clients and stakeholders.”

Succession

Wilkinson succeeds Tony Debiase, who will step down from the chief financial officer role after 12 years.

Saulter said he was “very grateful to Tony for his long and distinguished service at Davies”.

“We all wish him the best for the future,” he added.

The appointment of Wilkinson follows Davies announcing a £1.5bn refinance of its senior debt facilities.

Refinancing its facilities enabled the firm to reduce its annual interest bill and extend maturities to 2031.

Davies also secured a new credit line with the aim of supporting its M&A, technology and artificial intelligence ambitions.