DLG continues hiring spree with two senior appointments

Direct Line Group (DLG) has continued its hiring spree with two senior appointments.

The moves will see Lucy Johnson take up the role of managing director for motor and Dhruv Gahlaut become chief strategy and investor relations officer.

Johnson will be responsible for developing a strategy to drive growth, while Gahlaut will take responsibility for developing and shaping the group’s strategic narrative for investors and other stakeholders.

Johnson will join the business in June and Gahlaut will begin his new position in September.

Adam Winslow, chief executive of DLG, said: “I’m delighted to have secured a leader of Lucy’s calibre to lead our motor operations. She will bring both extensive trading acumen and technical insurance expertise to the role.

“Dhruv will have a crucial role in communicating our equity story as we execute our business transformation and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise.”

Experience

Johnson joins the group from Positive Momentum, where she was a partner advising financial services firms on motor transformation, pricing, product innovation and leadership.

She also held a range of senior roles at Hastings Direct, such as chief commercial and marketing officer and managing director for underwriting services.

When Johnson takes up her new role, she will succeed Jasvinder Gakhal, who has been in the post at DLG since 2021.

Gahlaut, meanwhile, joins the group from global (re)insurer SiriusPoint, where he was a member of the executive committee.

His career has also seen him hold the position of strategy and planning director at RSA within its UK and international business.

“These appointments positively augment the other recent external hires we have announced, as we build a strong and experienced leadership team to drive sustainable growth,” Winslow said.