Canopius takes Direct Line financial head for top UK leadership role

Global specialty re/insurer  Canopius Group has picked a top leader from Direct Line with two decades of industry experience as its new UK chief financial officer, Canopius Managing Agency.

James Pearson will assume the role from Gavin Phillips, who had acted as interim UK CFO and will now revert to his group responsibilities.

Pearson will report to Canopius Group chief financial officer Phillips and interim Canopius UK CEO Kate Roy.

Pearson joins from Direct Line where, as head of financial planning and analysis, he led the group’s finance transformation project and the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 17. He brings almost 20 years of insurance and financial services experience to Canopius having originally trained and worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in London and Sydney.

“James brings a wealth of Lloyd’s market knowledge from his time at PwC and significant experience in managing change and transformation; a key competence for any finance executive in these ever-changing times for our industry,” said Phillips.

“Throughout our search, James stood out as the individual who most ably articulated how he would balance UK executive and board responsibilities with the wider leadership role across our business. We believe James will be a perfect cultural fit for Canopius, complement the UK leadership team tremendously well and I am extremely pleased to welcome him at this exciting time for our business.”

Pearson said: “I am thrilled to be joining Canopius at an exciting time for the business and the London Market. I look forward to working with my new UK leadership team and engaging all our Finance expertise in support of the strategic ambitions of the Group.”

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