Direct Line Group announces the appointment of Jane Poole as Group Chief Financial Officer

10 April 2024

Direct Line Group (the "Group") is pleased to announce that Jane Poole is to be appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer of the Company, subject to regulatory approval. Jane will join the Board in October 2024, succeeding Neil Manser who has been in post since January 2021.

Jane is a highly experienced CFO with extensive general insurance knowledge following a long and successful career building high performance teams in the financial services industry. Since 2021, she has been CFO for Aviva's UK and Ireland General Insurance business, driving business performance and improving profitability. Prior to this, Jane was CFO for Royal & Sun Alliance (RSA) UK & International businesses having held senior Finance roles at the insurer since 2006. Jane qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Neil has been with the Group since 2011 and CFO since January 2021. Neil was instrumental in the Group's successful IPO in 2012 and has helped to steer the business through a series of external challenges in recent years. Neil will remain as CFO until Jane arrives to ensure an orderly transition of responsibilities.

Danuta Gray, Chair of Direct Line Group, 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."

Jane Poole, Group CFO designate of Direct Line Group, said: "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. 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." 

This announcement is made in accordance with the requirements of Listing Rule 9.6.11.

For investor and media enquiries please contact:

Paul Smith

Director of Business Performance and Investor Relations

Tel: +44 (0) 7795 811 263

Alan Oliver

Group Communications

+44 (0)7385 481295 

A summary of Jane Poole's career to date

Aviva Plc (2021 - present)

CFO, Aviva Insurance Limited (SMF2) UK & Ireland General Insurance Business

RSA Insurance Group plc (2006 - 2021)

CFO, UK & International business / Global Finance Centre Director

Global Finance Centre Director

Group CFO (Interim)

Group Financial Controller

UK Financial Controller

Finance Transformation Programme Lead

Head of Finance Systems, Change and Solvency II Programme

Finance Director, Engineering Inspection & Consultancy (EI&C)

Group Head of Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting

LEI: 213800FF2R23ALJQOP04