Poole joins cyber specialist as new group CFO

Former Direct Line Group (DLG) and Aviva chief financial officer Jane Poole has joined cyber specialist MGA CFC as its new group chief financial officer (CFO). 

Poole will join the group this month to oversee financial strategy and lead what CFC called its “next stage of growth”. She will replace current group CFO Michael Grist, who has been in position for nearly 16 years. 

Grist will step back from day to day responsibilities later this year, but remain with the business in an advisory capacity. 

Most recently, Poole served as group CFO for DLG, where she began to turn around the insurer’s faltering finances before Aviva completed its £3.7bn acquisition of the personal lines giant.

Poole initially joined DLG from Aviva’s UK and Ireland general insurance business, where she was also CFO. 

A statement from DLG in June this year, following Aviva’s acquisition, confirmed that Poole and other members of its leadership would step down upon the completion of the deal. 

Future ambitions

Louise O’Shea, group chief executive at CFC, said: ”We are delighted to welcome Poole to CFC as group CFO. Her decision to join CFC is testament to the high quality of our business and future ambitions. 

”She brings deep FTSE 100 and general insurance executive experience with a proven ability to lead strategic transformation, drive business performance and build high performing teams. Her collaborative leadership style and expertise make her exceptionally well placed to lead the business into its next phase.”

Poole added: ”I am delighted to be joining CFC at such a pivotal time in its journey. CFC is an industry pioneer with a clear growth strategy and a strong commitment to delivering value for customers, partners and investors. 

“It’s a unique business with an incredible track record and I look forward to joining the team to accelerate the next phase of global growth and strategic evolution.”