DLG announces major leadership changes

Direct Line Group (DLG) has announced three new senior appointments as the firm begins implementing its new strategy.

The moves will see Craig Thornton take up the role of managing director for home and growth, Martin Milliner become managing director of claims and Hugh Hessing move into the position of chief operating officer.

All three appointees will report directly to chief executive Adam Winslow.

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

In turn, the firm conducted a review to identify opportunities across the value chain and said it saw a “significant opportunity to remove at least £100m of costs by the end of 2025 on a run-rate annualised basis”.

“At our full year results, I committed to strengthening our leadership team to deliver the changes that are required,” Winslow said.

“The new appointments I’m announcing today will be central to delivering our strategy to transform the group.”

Appointees

In his new role, Thornton will lead the group’s home and growth insurance strategies across all brands.

He joins the group after spending the last 10 years at Lloyds Banking Group, where he was general insurance, protection and investments director.

Milliner, meanwhile, will help build a claims function that bolsters service for customers and increases operational efficiency.

He joins the group from Allianz, where he was claims director and previously head of operational claims and director of claimant technical services at LV=.

And Hessing will lead customer operations, procurement and tansformation activity across DLG.

During his career, he has been UK chief operating officer and UK customer services director at Aviva and chief executive of Aviva Ireland.

Other appointments

DLG also confirmed that Roger Lowry would join as director of corporate affairs and Alexandra Hayes as chief of staff.

Both appointees will also report directly to Winslow.

Speaking about all the appointments, Winslow said: “The calibre of these appointments is a testament to the underlying strength and attractiveness of the business.

“The experience and expertise of these leaders will make a significant difference, not only in the areas they oversee, but also at ExCo, where they will provide strategic leadership and drive to shape the future of our organisation.”