Sebastian James becomes non-executive director of listed insurance group

Direct Line Group has appointed Dixons Carphone chief executive Sebastian James as a non-executive director.

He was chief executive of electrical goods retailer Dixons Retail before its merger with mobile phone seller Carphone Warehouse earlier this month, when he became chief executive of the combined group.

He has experience of the insurance industry, having been chief executive of Synergy Insurance Services before joining Dixons in 2008.

Direct Line Group chairman Mike Biggs said: “[James’s] appointment will complement the skills and experience of the existing members of the board, which will benefit from his profound knowledge of customer service in a digital retail market.”

James added: “I am excited to be joining the Direct Line Group board and helping to deliver a strategy centred on what is best for customers.”