Leadership 

Experience and Qualifications

Jon was appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer in January 2023. He joined the Group in 2000 and has over 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry. He had previously been appointed the Group’s first Chief Commercial Officer leading on Product and Trading Strategy with responsibility for providing a strong commercial overview across all trading areas working closely with the leaders of the Motor, Household, Commercial and Rescue teams, identifying and responding to market trends and driving commercial opportunities. He was also responsible for the Group’s Commercial brands; leading strategy, developing customer propositions, enhancing the brands and delivering efficiencies within the Commercial businesses.

Jon was previously Managing Director of the Group’s household and life businesses. He joined the Group as Product and Pricing Director for UK Partnerships.

Before joining the Group, Jon held roles at HBOS, MBNA and Pinnacle.

Appointed
May 2021

Committees
Investment Committee

Key Skills and Experience
– Strong background in financial and strategic leadership roles.
– Extensive corporate finance and capital markets knowledge.
– Deep understanding of the operation of strategy and culture in the insurance industry.

Neil was appointed as CFO in May 2021. Since he joined the Group in 2011, Neil has held several roles in Finance and Strategy from Director of Investor Relations, to Managing Director of NIG and Chief Strategy Officer. Neil was instrumental in the Group’s successful IPO in 2012. He brings extensive industry and capital markets experience to the Board having previously worked at Brit Insurance, Merrill Lynch and Fox-Pitt, Kelton. Neil is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

External Appointments
– None.

Experience and Qualifications
Jessie joined Direct Line Group in 2016. She is responsible for all aspects of personal lines and commercial lines claims; customer sales and service; and the Group’s counter-fraud activities. Her focus is very much about creating value for customers by providing them with an exceptional service and value for money, through controlling claims spend.

Prior to joining Direct Line Group, Jessie was at Aviva plc for 13 years, holding a number of senior Finance Director roles at both the Group and in the UK general Insurance business. Jessie joined Aviva from KPMG and is an associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

External Appointments
– Non-Executive Director of The Motor Insurers’ Bureau.
– Advisory Board member of the CII Society of Claims Professionals.

Experience and Qualifications
Ash joined the Group in 2021. He has over 20 years’ experience of delivering technological transformation that underpins growth with a focus on the customer journey. He is passionate about technology and diversity.

Ash was previously CIO at Virgin Atlantic where he oversaw technology and data strategy. Prior to this he was UK & Ireland CIO at Centrica, British Gas and Bord Gáis. Additionally, he has 10 years’ experience in Telecommunications, holding roles at TalkTalk, Tiscali and British Telecom.

Ash holds a degree in Engineering Product Design. He is a guest speaker and visiting lecturer at London South Bank University.

Experience and Qualifications

Kate joined Direct Line Group in 2000. She has over 20 years’ experience of the insurance industry. As Chief Customer Officer she leads on the Group’s brand and customer strategy, deepening customer relationships and optimising customer outcomes.  She is also responsible for delivering the strategy and developing products for the Group’s Home, Pet, Travel, Life and Private Businesses and leading the Partnerships division, alongside Pricing and Underwriting and Data.

Previously, Kate was Commercial & Marketing Director for Privilege and launched Direct Line for Business in 2007.

Before joining the Group, Kate held roles in Calvin Klein Cosmetics, Moore Stephens – Vladivostok and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the National Audit Office. She is also an Associate of the Royal College of Science.

Experience and Qualifications
Humphrey joined the Group in 2011 and has over 30 years’ experience as a solicitor. He is responsible for the Group Legal function and oversees a range of areas of legal advice and services.

Humphrey’s experience includes advising on corporate and commercial matters, steering corporate transactions in the UK and internationally, managing legal risk and dealing with corporate governance issues. Before joining the Group, Humphrey was Group Legal Director at RSA and prior to that he was a corporate lawyer with the City law firm, Ashurst.

Appointed
Independent Non-Executive Director in February 2017
Chair of the Board since August 2020

Committees
Nomination and Governance Committee (Chair)
Remuneration Committee

Key Skills and Experience
– Extensive experience leading and transforming large, consumer-focused businesses.
– Deep understanding of governance and remuneration requirements affecting listed companies gained from previous Chair roles.
– Expertise in sales, marketing, and technology.

Danuta was Chair of Telefónica in Ireland until 2012 having previously been its Chief Executive between 2001 and 2010. During her tenure as Chief Executive she increased the customer base from just under 1 million to 1.7 million. Earlier in her career, Danuta held a variety of senior positions within the BT Group between 1984 and 2001. Additionally, Danuta has been Senior Independent Director of the Aldermore Group, Non-Executive Chair of St Modwen Properties and a Non-Executive member of the Ministry of Defence Board. She was also NED and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at both PageGroup plc and Old Mutual plc until 2018.

External Appointments
– Non-Executive Director, Chair of Remuneration Committee and member of Nomination Committee of Burberry Group plc.

Experience and Qualifications

Jon was appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer in January 2023. He joined the Group in 2000 and has over 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry. He had previously been appointed the Group’s first Chief Commercial Officer leading on Product and Trading Strategy with responsibility for providing a strong commercial overview across all trading areas working closely with the leaders of the Motor, Household, Commercial and Rescue teams, identifying and responding to market trends and driving commercial opportunities. He was also responsible for the Group’s Commercial brands; leading strategy, developing customer propositions, enhancing the brands and delivering efficiencies within the Commercial businesses.

Jon was previously Managing Director of the Group’s household and life businesses. He joined the Group as Product and Pricing Director for UK Partnerships.

Before joining the Group, Jon held roles at HBOS, MBNA and Pinnacle.

Appointed
May 2021

Committees
Investment Committee

Key Skills and Experience
– Strong background in financial and strategic leadership roles.
– Extensive corporate finance and capital markets knowledge.
– Deep understanding of the operation of strategy and culture in the insurance industry.

Neil was appointed as CFO in May 2021. Since he joined the Group in 2011, Neil has held several roles in Finance and Strategy from Director of Investor Relations, to Managing Director of NIG and Chief Strategy Officer. Neil was instrumental in the Group’s successful IPO in 2012. He brings extensive industry and capital markets experience to the Board having previously worked at Brit Insurance, Merrill Lynch and Fox-Pitt, Kelton. Neil is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

External Appointments
– None.

Appointed
January 2016

Committees
Remuneration Committee (Chair)
Nomination and Governance Committee
Board Risk Committee

Key Skills and Experience
– Highly experienced financial services professional with expertise in dealing with complex stakeholder groups.
– Extensive knowledge of the insurance industry with deep insight into prudential regulation.
– Background of delivering business transformation and change in challenging circumstances.

Richard was previously Executive Chair of Ardonagh Specialty and was Chief Executive of Lloyd’s of London and the International Petroleum Exchange. He also held the role of Non-Executive Chair at Brit Syndicates Limited and Executive Chair of Cunningham Lindsey. Richard also held NED roles at the Partnership Assurance Group plc and the London Clearing House. Earlier in his career he held a range of senior positions at British Petroleum and was a research scientist for the Science and Engineering Council. Richard has also been a member of the PwC Advisory Board, the PRA Practitioner Panel and of the Geneva Association.

External Appointments
– Non-Executive Chair of CFC Group Limited.
– Non-Executive Chair of Mrald Limited.

Appointed
November 2021

Committees
Sustainability Committee
Remuneration Committee

Key Skills and Experience
– Deep understanding of the development of corporate and digital strategy.
– International experience with broad perspective of business and capital markets.
– Expertise in digital transformation, customer analytics and stakeholder communications.

Tracy’s professional background spans financial journalism, digital media and corporate strategy in the media industry. Most recently Tracy was Chief Strategy Officer for Dow Jones where she oversaw the digital transformation of the business and was responsible for global strategy, customer insight and commercial policy. Earlier in her career, Tracy was Editor in Chief of The Wall Street Journal Europe and Digital Editor of The Wall Street Journal. She also held various positions at the Financial Times, including Editor of FT.com and Editor of the Lex Column.

External Appointments

– Non-Executive Director and member of the Remuneration Committee of Barclays Bank UK plc.
– Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit, Nomination and Sustainability committees of Domino’s Pizza Group plc.
– Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Investment Committee of The Scott Trust.

Appointed
March 2018

Committees
Risk Committee (Chair)
Remuneration Committee
Investment Committee
Audit Committee

Key Skills and Experience
– Extensive experience in both life and general insurance.
– Deep understanding of capital markets.
– Strategically orientated with a detailed understanding of the retail sector.

Mark previously held the role of Group CFO and Executive Director at Legal & General until 2017 and was CEO of Merian Global Investors from January 2019 to August 2020. During his 19-year career at Legal & General, he held a variety of senior roles including CEO of the Savings business, Managing Director of the With-Profits business, and Resources and International Director. Before joining Legal & General, Mark held senior financial and business development roles at ASDA and Kingfisher. Mark is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

External Appointments
– Non-Executive Director of Phoenix Group Holdings plc.

Appointed
August 2014

Committees
Sustainability Committee (Chair)
Nomination and Governance Committee
Remuneration Committee

Key Skills and Experience
– Extensive experience in retail and consumer practice with large retail groups.
– Strong track record of business transformation and change.
– Detailed understanding of UK consumer markets, products and brands.

Sebastian is Managing Director of Boots UK, a subsidiary of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Until 2018, he was Group Chief Executive of Dixons Carphone plc, having previously held the role of Group Chief Executive of Dixons Retail plc from 2012. Before this, Sebastian was CEO of Synergy Insurance Services Limited, a private equity backed insurance company, and was previously Strategy Director at Mothercare plc. He began his career at The Boston Consulting Group.

External Appointments
– Managing Director of Boots UK, a subsidiary of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
– Senior Vice President of Walgreen Boots Alliance, Inc.

Appointed
March 2023

Committees
Remuneration Committee 
Sustainability Committee

Key Skills and Experience
– Strong track record of delivering digital transformation and growth.
– Highly experienced in customer-focused and regulated business. Environments with a focus on strategy and innovation.
– Proven background spanning financial services, mass retail, consumer goods logistics, management consultancy and advertising.

Most recently, Mark was Chief Executive of Moneysupermarket Group plc between 2017 and 2020. During this time, revenue and profitability increased and Mark transformed the culture which led to improved customer satisfaction, workforce inclusivity and engagement. In earlier roles, he was Retail Director of John Lewis Partnership, Chief Executive of the logistics provider Collect+, European Director of Marketplaces of eBay International AG and senior roles in the Boston Consulting Group and in advertising.

External Appointments
– Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit, Remuneration, Risk and Responsible Banking Committees of Santander UK plc.

Appointed
September 2018

Committees
Investment Committee (Chair)
Audit Committee
Board Risk Committee

Key Skills and Experience
– Extensive experience in retail financial services.
– Strong background in M&A and developing strategic partnerships.
– Expertise in audit having worked as an auditor and serving as Audit Committee Chair of other listed companies.

Fiona’s experience in retail financial services, both in the industry and as an auditor, was gained in the UK and the USA. Fiona qualified as an accountant early in her career at Arthur Young (now EY). Until January 2019, she was Vice-Chair of Save the Children UK and a Trustee Director of the Humanitarian Leadership Academy. Previously, Fiona served as CEO of Scottish Friendly Group for 11 years, before which she was Scottish Friendly Group’s Finance Director. Fiona is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

External Appointments
– Chair of Audit Committe and Non-Executive Director of Currys plc.
– Chair and Non-Executive Director of the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust plc.
– Senior Independent Director, Chair of Audit Committee and Non-Executive Director of Monzo Bank Limited.

Appointed
October 2023

Key Skills and Experience
– Deep understanding of general and life insurance markets.
– Extensive experience in senior management and non-executive roles.
– Background of delivering general insurance business modernisation.

David is a former Chief Executive of General Insurance for Co-Operative Insurance. Following his executive career, spanning over twenty years in senior management roles in general insurance, David has held chairmanships, non-executive directorships and advisory roles in a number of insurance, InsurTech, consultancy and legal businesses, including Slater and Gordon UK Ltd, The Solicitors Indemnity Fund, Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society and Accenture UK Ltd.

External Appointments
– Chair of the Advisory Board of the Common Automotive Platform Standard.

Appointed
March 2018

Committees
Audit Committee (Chair)
Board Risk Committee

Key Skills and Experience
– Strong audit background having worked as a partner in Ernst & Young’s Financial Services practice.
– Extensive experience in the insurance and investment management industry.
– Deep knowledge and understanding of financial services regulation and practice.

Gregor worked at Ernst & Young for 23 years, 10 of which were as partner in the financial services practice. Between 2009 and 2012, he was Finance Director for the insurance division of Lloyd’s Banking Group plc which included Scottish Widows. Gregor is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

External Appointments
– Chair and Non-Executive Director of Alliance Trust plc.
– Chair and Non-Executive Director of FNZ (UK) Limited.
– Chair of the Risk Committee and Non-Executive Director of FNZ Group.