DLG to appoint new MD, UK Personal Lines

RNS Number : 3743B

Direct Line Insurance Group PLC

04 March 2014

 



 

 

4 March 2014

Direct Line Group Appoints Mike Holliday-Williams as MD, UK Personal Lines

Executive team restructuring to support strategic priorities

Direct Line Insurance Group plc ("Direct Line Group" or "the Group") today announces its intent to bring together its retail products, marketing and distribution activities in the UK into a single organisation, and to appoint a new executive, Mike Holliday-Williams, to lead this, subject to regulatory approval.  This change is intended to support the achievement of the next phase of the Group's strategic priorities, and to sustain the delivery of benefits for our customers and shareholders.

After four years with Direct Line Group, Tom Woolgrove, Managing Director, Personal Lines has decided to leave the business, having contributed significantly to the successful transformation of the Group, its establishment as a listed company, and the strong full year results announced last week.  Tom has played a key role in the wider industry on the Group's behalf, both as President of the Chartered Insurance Institute and at the ABI.  Tom will work to ensure a smooth transition, with Holliday-Williams expected to join in May 2014.  After this, on an interim basis pending the appointment of a full time CEO, Tom will be supporting the creation of Flood Re, a critical initiative for both the insurance industry and the Government.

Following this restructuring, Darrell Evans, Chief Customer Officer, will report into Holliday-Williams, and will remain a member of the Direct Line Group Executive Committee.

Mike Holliday-Williams joins from RSA Group ("RSA"), where he was most recently Chief Executive Officer of its Scandinavian operations Codan A/S and Trygg-Hansa.  He brings extensive insurance industry expertise and experience in the UK and continental Europe, as well as a broad retailing and marketing background gained through senior leadership roles in the energy, telecoms and retail industries.

Rob Bailhache, Director of Communications will also be leaving Direct Line Group, having played a key role in establishing the Group's reputation and communications capability during its successful separation and divestment from RBS Group, and in contributing to the development of its reputation as an industry thought leader.  His role will not be replaced.

Paul Geddes, Chief Executive Officer, Direct Line Group, commented:

"I am delighted Mike has decided to join us.  The transformation of Direct Line Group is progressing well, and we aim to develop our pricing and distribution capabilities further to make the most of our market-leading franchise, rich customer data, and famous portfolio of brands.  Mike brings a great blend of insurance expertise, a passion for customers, and broad retailing and marketing skills, which are essential for the next phase of our journey.

"I'm joined by the whole Board in thanking Tom for his extensive contribution to Direct Line Group's successful transformation and activity as a listed company, as well as his contributions to the industry on our behalf.  We also thank Rob for his advice through our separation and divestment from RBS Group, and his support in helping to nurture Direct Line Group's reputation.  We wish them both well for the future," he added.

For further information, please contact:

Jennifer Thomas
Head of Financial Communications

Tel: [phone]

Direct Line Insurance Group plc

Direct Line Group is headquartered in Bromley. The Group has operations in the UK, Italy and Germany.

Through its number of well known brands the Group offers a wide range of general insurance products to consumers. These brands include Direct Line, Churchill and Privilege. The Group also provides insurance services for third party through its partnerships division, Brand Partners. In the commercial sector, the Group's NIG and Direct Line for Business operations offer insurance products for businesses distributed through brokers or direct, respectively.

 

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