Canopius group CFO steps down, is replaced by PwC leader

Global specialty re/insurer  Canopius has hired a new group chief financial officer (CFO), replacing incumbent CFO Nigel Meyer who will step back from his role in March 2022 to concentrate on establishing a portfolio of non-executive appointments.

Gavin Phillips (pictured) brings extensive experience in financial leadership and insurance expertise, having worked in the UK and US, most recently as PwC’s regional financial services leader.

Starting as a graduate in Lloyd’s, Phillips joined PwC in 1993 and spent almost three decades working with some of its largest global and domestic insurance clients. Prior to that, he led the insurance and asset management assurance practice, before which he was head of the Lloyd’s and London Market practice. He also oversaw significant developments at Prudential plc’s UK life insurance business, while on secondment from PwC as its CFO between 2017 -2019.

Meyer joined Canopius from global specialty insurer and reinsurer Brit in 2018, where he served as chief operating officer. During his career, Meyer spent a number of years at RSA as deputy finance director, before which he worked as financial performance director at Aviva.

Neil Robertson, deputy chief executive officer of Canopius, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome someone of Gavin’s calibre to Canopius. Gavin stood out amongst a strong pool of candidates because he exhibited such a fervent passion and enthusiasm for Canopius’ vision and strategic direction. Gavin is a proven leader of finance functions, but he is also a natural culture carrier and someone who will undoubtedly have a broad and significant influence across all areas of our company."

He added: “I would also like to extend my thanks to Nigel for his many outstanding contributions, which since joining as CFO in 2018 have been instrumental in the group’s development. On behalf of all at Canopius, I wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.

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