Direct Line Insurance Group Plc (Direct Line Group or DLG) has poached chief financial officer Jane Poole (pictured below) from Aviva’s UK & Ireland general insurance business.
Poole, who was with RSA from 2006 to 2021, is set to reunite with DLG chief executive Adam Winslow in October. Winslow took the helm at DLG last month after serving as UK&I general insurance CEO at Aviva.
“I am delighted to be joining Direct Line Group as CFO at this important time and motivated to drive business performance to realise the significant potential ahead for the group,” Poole commented ahead of her arrival later this year.
“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.”
Poole is succeeding Neil Manser, who has held the finance chief post since 2021 and will continue to serve as CFO until his replacement’s onboarding. Instrumental in DLG’s successful initial public offering in 2012, Manser has been with the insurer for about 13 years.
Commenting on the latest C-suite hire, DLG chair Danuta Gray said: “The board is delighted to welcome Jane Poole as our new group CFO. 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. At the same time, 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.”
The appointment comes on the heels of two unsuccessful attempts by Belgian insurer Ageas to initiate dialogue with the board of directors at DLG regarding a potential takeover deal.
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