Phoenix appoints senior UK and Europe leaders to drive growth

UK-based specialist consolidator Phoenix Group has made two appointments to its executive committee to support its growth strategy.

Andy Curran is joining as CEO savings and retirement, UK and Europe and group director Scotland. He will also be responsible for the European operations and SunLife. He will be based in Edinburgh.

Curran has more than 30 years of life and pensions experience - most recently as MD corporate, Aviva UK Insurance, accountable for Aviva’s UK Corporate businesses. He was previously UK CEO for Friends Life as well as holding senior roles at Prudential.

Additionally, Claire Hawkins is promoted to the role of corporate affairs and investor relations director. Hawkins has been working for Phoenix companies for almost 20 years.

After more than ten years with Phoenix Group, and over 30 years in the life and pensions sector, Susan McInnes is to retire from her role as CEO of Standard Life Assurance and group director for Phoenix’s open business later this year.

Fellow executive committee member John McGuigan, group customer director, will also play an increasing role in building relationships for the group in Scotland.

Both Curran and Hawkins will report to CEO Andy Briggs.

Briggs, CEO of Phoenix Group, said: “Susan has been instrumental in the transition of Standard Life Assurance into Phoenix and setting the path for success in our Open business. On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank her for her service, and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.

“In Andy, a fellow Scot, we have an excellent successor. He brings significant experience of the life and pensions sector and an exceptional track record of delivering value for customers and shareholders. He will lead Phoenix’s Open book and BPA growth strategy and enhance our position as a leader in the workplace market," he added.

Briggs continued: “I’m delighted to welcome Claire to the Executive Committee. Her promotion to this newly expanded position reflects our commitment to enhancing our outreach to stakeholders and how central ESG considerations are to our operations. Claire has taken a leading role in many projects which have transformed the company’s scale and operations, and she will continue to drive development in the Group in this new role.

“Phoenix will become the UK’s largest long term savings and retirement business following the completion of the ReAssure acquisition. We will have a senior management team with the skills and experience in place to drive the business forward. I’m looking forward to working closely with Claire and Andy as we progress with our strategy and our ongoing commitment to being a sustainable business that successfully supports the needs of our customers.”