Direct Line chief to step down

CEO of Direct Line Group, Penny James, is to step down from her role with immediate effect.

The company has appointed COO Jon Greenwood as acting CEO whilst it identifies and appoints a successor to James

Danuta Gray, chair of Direct Line Group, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Penny James for her contribution, dedication and commitment to the company since joining to be CFO in late 2017 and subsequently as CEO from May 2019.

“During her time as CEO, Penny has overseen significant strategic progress, transforming the technology and capability across the business, accelerating the digitalisation of customer journeys and helping to set the company up for the future. She also deserves great credit for the way she led the business through the pandemic, in a very challenging market, ensuring that we continued to serve our customers.”

Penny James added: “It has been a privilege to lead Direct Line Group for nearly four years and to work with such an amazing group of colleagues. While the business was impacted by significant headwinds at the end of 2022, the group has continued to make strategic progress.”

Jon Greenwood joined what is now Direct Line Group in 2000. He has over 30 years’ experience of the insurance industry.

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