Leadership

Experience and Qualifications

Adam Winslow became Chief Executive Officer of Direct Line Group in March 2024. He brings extensive financial services and insurance expertise gained over 20+ years in the sector. He joined Direct Line Group from Aviva, where he was CEO, UK & Ireland General Insurance. He previously held the post of CEO for Aviva’s international businesses. Before working at Aviva, Adam was CEO of Global Life Insurance at AIG, having previously held several other management positions at the company across several markets including serving as CEO of AIG Life UK. Adam started his career at Allianz Asset Management in France, followed by further international experience in South Africa overseeing a large business process outsourcing contact centre. Adam has a master’s degree in European Business from the ESCP Business School in Paris and a bachelor’s degree in History with French from York University.

External Appointments
– Member of the Association of British Insurers Board.
– Member of the FCA Practitioner Panel.

Experience and Qualifications

Jane Poole joined Direct Line Group as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in October 2024, bringing over two decades of experience in financial services and general insurance.  

Since 2021, Jane served as CFO for Aviva’s UK and Ireland General Insurance business, where she played a pivotal role in driving business performance and improving profitability. Prior to that, she held senior finance roles at RSA Insurance Group, including CFO for its UK & International businesses. There, she not only led the establishment of a Global Finance Centre, overseeing a team of 350 finance professionals, but also championed a strong focus on culture, which contributed to her team's recognition as Finance Team of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards. 

Jane began her career as a Chartered Accountant with PwC and holds a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. 

Experience and Qualifications

Maz joined the Group as Group Chief Risk Officer (CRO) in December 2024.

Maz previously worked at Aviva for over 20 years, where she was CRO for Aviva’s UK General Insurance (GI) and Health businesses since early 2022. Prior to that, Maz spent several years in Toronto as CRO for Aviva Canada. 

Maz is a qualified actuary and before moving into Risk, has worked in reserving, capital management and Solvency II.  During her career with Aviva, she has also led their data science practice across both GI and Life businesses, providing highly analytical modelling and insight in support of various key business processes including pricing and claims.  Maz is a strong advocate of diversity in the workplace, having co-sponsored Aviva Canada’s Ability employee engagement group and more recently, Aviva’s ‘Risky Women’ network for female risk and audit employees.

Maz holds a degree in Mathematics and Statistics, and a PhD in Statistics, and in 2017 was named Actuarial Post’s Actuary of the Year.

Experience and Qualifications

Dhruv joined the Group as the Chief Strategy and Investor Relations Officer in August 2024. 

Dhruv has over 18 years’ experience in financial services, with roles spanning across the insurance industry and equity research. He has worked in both listed and unlisted companies and held senior roles at both life and non-life insurers.

During his career, Dhruv has been involved in business turnarounds, witnessed multiple corporate market events (during equity research and corporate), developed strategy and investor relations agendas (equity and debt) and gained a deep understanding of various business models and equity stories across the global financial sector while working in equity research.

Dhruv is a CFA Charterholder and holds both an actuarial science diploma and an undergraduate degree in economics.

Experience and Qualifications

Lucy joined the Group as Managing Director, Motor, in June 2024.

Lucy has more than 20 years’ experience across Finance Services, including Insurance. She previously held the posts of Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer and Managing Director, Underwriting Services, for Hastings Direct, where Lucy worked for 7 years.

Lucy started her career in Barclays Bank, and worked across the Retail Banking division and into Barclaycard where her final role was Managing Director, Small Business.  In recent years Lucy has operated as an independent consultant across financial services as a Partner in Positive Momentum.

Lucy has a degree in Maths, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics from Warwick University.

Experience and Qualifications

Craig joined the Group as MD, Home & Growth in October 2024.

Craig has extensive experience of both life and general insurance markets, having worked for the last ten years at Lloyds Banking Group where he led the General Insurance and Protection businesses as well as being Chief Investment Officer. As a qualified actuary, he has a deep technical background and has combined this with commercial and functional expertise in roles at Aviva and Swiss Re. 

He has previously Chaired the ABI General Insurance Council and twice served as a member of the ABI Board.

Experience and Qualifications

Martin joined the Group as MD of Claims in October 2024.

Martin has over 30 years’ experience within claims primarily working within Personal Lines. He began his career at a Lloyds Syndicate and spent the last 17 years at Allianz Personal as Claims Director, focused on delivering technical excellence. Prior to this he was Claims Director at LV= where he played a key role in delivering award winning customer outcomes.

Martin sits on the various industry boards including Thatcham and was also a founding director of the Insurance Fraud Bureau. 

Experience and Qualifications

Angela joined the Group as General Counsel in February 2025.

Angela has over 20 years’ experience in financial services and previously worked at Close Brothers Group plc where, as Group General Counsel, she navigated the merchant banking group through periods of high volatility. Prior to this, Angela created and built a high performing legal team at the fintech, Ratesetter, and previously worked in Barclays’ Investment Banking and Wealth Management divisions. She began her career at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. 

Angela holds a degree in Jurisprudence (Law) from St Peter’s College, Oxford University and is an English Qualified Solicitor registered with the Law Society of England and Wales. She is also involved in community engagement as a Board Trustee at the UK’s largest food redistribution charity, FareShare and is co-founder of the not-for-profit General Counsel mentoring scheme, Mentorix.

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, NED and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at both PageGroup plc and Old Mutual plc; and was Non-Executive Chair of Perth Topco Limited and North Tech.

External Appointments
– Non-Executive Director, Chair of Remuneration Committee and member of Nomination Committee of Burberry Group plc.
– Non-Executive Director and Chair of Croda International plc.
– Trustee Director of The Resolution Foundation.
– Member of the Development Board for Employ Autism.

Key Skills and Experience
Adam Winslow became Chief Executive Officer of Direct Line Group in March 2024. He brings extensive financial services and insurance expertise gained over 20+ years in the sector. He joined Direct Line Group from Aviva, where he was CEO, UK & Ireland General Insurance. He previously held the post of CEO for Aviva’s international businesses. Before working at Aviva, Adam was CEO of Global Life Insurance at AIG, having previously held several other management positions at the company across several markets including serving as CEO of AIG Life UK. Adam started his career at Allianz Asset Management in France, followed by further international experience in South Africa overseeing a large business process outsourcing contact centre. Adam has a master’s degree in European Business from the ESCP Business School in Paris and a bachelor’s degree in History with French from York University.

External Appointments
– Member of the Association of British Insurers Board.
– Member of the FCA Practitioner Panel.

Experience and Qualifications

Jane Poole joined Direct Line Group as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in October 2024, bringing over two decades of experience in financial services and general insurance.  

Since 2021, Jane served as CFO for Aviva’s UK and Ireland General Insurance business, where she played a pivotal role in driving business performance and improving profitability. Prior to that, she held senior finance roles at RSA Insurance Group, including CFO for its UK & International businesses. There, she not only led the establishment of a Global Finance Centre, overseeing a team of 350 finance professionals, but also championed a strong focus on culture, which contributed to her team's recognition as Finance Team of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards. 

Jane began her career as a Chartered Accountant with PwC and holds a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. 

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

Key Skills and Experience
– Track record of driving digital growth.
– Expertise in digital transformation, with a focus on data, culture and customer.
– Expertise in ESG issues and communications with multiple stakeholders.

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.
–  Chair of the and Sustainability Committee and Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit and Nomination Committees of Domino’s Pizza Group plc.
– Non-Executive Director and member of the Nominations Committee of  The Scott Trust and Chair of The Scott Trust Endowment Limited.

Appointed
March 2018

Committees
Risk Committee (Chair)
Audit Committee
Investment Committee
Nomination and Governance Committee
Remuneration 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 and member of the Audit and Risk Committees of Phoenix Group Holdings plc.

Appointed
April 2024

Committees
Nomination and Governance Committee
Remuneration Committee

Key Skills and Experience
– Extensive experience of digitalisation, brand strategy and the drivers of customer satisfaction.
– Deep understanding of insurance brand and customer strategy and of refining products and propositions.
– Expertise in leadership and company culture.

Carol’s career has spanned actuarial services and technology consultancy; brand, marketing and customer strategic development; board and executive search, in which she led Spencer Stuart’s UK insurance practice; and senior executive coaching. In senior leadership roles in general insurance, she was responsible for digital transformation, direct channel development, and proposition design. She has led customer-centric culture transformation and data driven approaches to improving customer satisfaction.

External Appointments
– Non-Executive Director and member of the Remuneration and Nominations & Governance Committees of Chesnara PLC

Appointed
March 2023

Committees
Customer and Sustainability Committee
Nomination and Governance Committee
Remuneration 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.

Mark’s career has spanned financial services, retail, e-commerce, management consultancy and advertising. Most recently, he was Chief Executive of the MoneySupermarket Group, overseeing a period of revenue and profit growth for the UK listed price comparison business. Mark’s previous roles include the Retail and Online Director for John Lewis and the Managing Director of eBay UK.

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

Appointed
September 2018

Committees
Investment Committee (Chair)
Audit Committee
Board Risk Committee
Nomination and Governance 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. Between February 2009 and June 2023 she served as Chair and Non-Executive Director of the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust plc. Fiona is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

External Appointments
– Senior Independent Director, Chair of Audit Committee and Non-Executive Director of Monzo Bank Limited.

Appointed
October 2023

Committees
Audit Committee
Board Risk Committee
Nomination and Governance Committee

Key Skills and Experience
– Deep understanding of general and life insurance markets.
– Extensive experience in senior management and non-executive roles.
– Proven record of 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
Nomination and Governance 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 has extensive experience in financial services, having worked at Ernst & Young for 23 years, including 10 years as a partner in the firm's financial services practice. From 2009 to 2012, he served as Finance Director for the insurance division of Lloyd’s Banking Group plc, which included Scottish Widows. His previous roles include Chair and Non-Executive Director of Alliance Trust plc. Currently, Gregor is the Chair of FNZ Group, and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He is also a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

External Appointments:
– Chair of FNZ Group and Chair of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra