DLG confirms appointment of ex-Aviva c-suite

Former Aviva c-suite Jane Poole has officially taken up her new role as chief financial officer at Direct Line Group (DLG).

Poole’s appointment was first announced in April 2024 and takes effect from today (10 October 2024).

She succeeds Neil Manser, who has been in the post since January 2021.

The move also sees 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.

Winslow said: “We are delighted to welcome Poole to the group. She will have a transformative impact on our business.

“Poole’s deep knowledge of the insurance sector and regulatory frameworks, combined with a strong track record of running high performing finance functions, will be invaluable.

“She will be instrumental in driving for delivery of our targets for shareholders, as we move to execute our strategic plan and position DLG as the customers’ insurer of choice.”

Other appointments

DLG has made several leadership appointments since Winslow took charge of DLG.

For example, in May 2024, Hugh Hessing moved into the position of chief operating officer, while Craig Thornton became managing director for home and growth and Martin Milliner became managing director of claims.

The firm also appointed ex-Aviva c-suite Maz Bown as its new group chief risk officer, Lucy Johnson as managing director for motor and Dhruv Gahlaut as chief strategy and investor relations officer.

Talking at the time of the reshuffle, Winslow explained: ”At our full year results, I committed to strengthening our leadership team to deliver the changes that are required.

”The new appointments will be central to delivering our strategy to transform the group.”