Ex-DLG chief of staff among new hires at Argenta

Argenta has appointed Alexandra Hayes as head of group strategy and execution and chief of staff, alongside naming Sweta Tzimopoulos as its new chief distribution officer.

Hayes joined Argenta at the start of January 2026, while Tzimopoulos is set to join later this year, with her start date yet to be confirmed. Both report directly to Nick Moore, chief executive at Argenta.

Hayes joined from Direct Line Group, where she served as chief of staff to the chief executive. In that role, Hayes supported the executive team in working on Aviva’s successful bid to acquire the group. Before this, she held the role of chief of staff to the chief executive at Lloyd’s.

Earlier in her career, Hayes worked at JP Morgan and also served as an officer in the British Army’s Royal Engineers.

Chief distribution officer

Tzimopoulos, meanwhile, will lead Argenta’s distribution strategy in her new role, with a focus on broker relationships and identifying new channels to support growth.

She brings nearly 20 years’ experience in the insurance market and joins from Ascot Underwriting, where she was director of distribution strategy and marketing for the UK and Bermuda and a member of the executive committee.

At Ascot, Tzimopoulos established the distribution and marketing function and also chaired the UK and Bermuda diversity and inclusion council.

Moore said the appointments reflected Argenta’s focus on long-term growth and leadership capability.

“We are delighted to welcome Hayes and Tzimopoulos to Argenta,” he said.

“Their track record and depth of experience will strengthen our team as we continue to execute our strategic priorities.”