CFC, the specialist insurance provider, pioneer in emerging risk and market leader in cyber, are excited to announce that Jane Poole will be joining the group as Group Chief Financial Officer in September (subject to regulatory approval) to lead the group into its next stage of growth. Current Group CFO Michael Grist, who has served for nearly 16 years, will be stepping back from day-to-day responsibilities later this year, but will remain with the business in an advisory capacity.
Louise O’Shea, Group Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jane to CFC as Group CFO. Her decision to join CFC is testament to the high quality of our business and future ambitions."
Jane 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. Louise O’Shea, Group Chief Executive
"Her collaborative leadership style and expertise make her exceptionally well-placed to lead the business into its next phase.”
Prior to joining CFC, Poole served as Group Chief Financial Officer of Direct Line Group, where she led the financial turnaround improving profitability, capital strength and operational resilience alongside completing the £3.7bn acquisition of Direct Line Group by Aviva, creating a major player in the UK insurance market. Prior to this, Poole was CFO of Aviva’s UK & Ireland General Insurance business, where she played a pivotal role in driving growth, enhancing capital efficiency and strengthening financial governance. Her earlier career at RSA Insurance Group spanned multiple senior leadership roles, rising to become CFO of its UK & International businesses. Poole’s career began at PwC, where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
Poole will be responsible for overseeing the group’s financial strategy and performance to drive the next phase of growth as the company continues to scale globally.
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. Jane Poole, Group Chief Financial Officer
"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”
O’Shea added: “We are extremely grateful for everything that Michael has done for CFC over an incredible 16 years of dedicated service. His decision to step back is a personal one, however he will continue to support the business in an advisory capacity and will help guide the transition of Poole in the coming months. On behalf of the entire leadership team and everyone at CFC, I want to thank Michael for his extraordinary contribution.
Commenting on the transition, Grist said: “After nearly 16 years at CFC, I’ve decided that now is the right time to step back from day-to-day responsibilities as Group CFO. This business has been the journey of a lifetime, and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve built together. With CFC entering its next phase of growth, I look forward to working with Louise, Jane and the Board in an advisory capacity to continue supporting CFC on its incredible trajectory."
