Driving change: Appointing a Chief Transformation Officer for a leading UK insurer

Adam Gates, Partner of our Insurance Practice, discusses his recent appointment for a leading specialist insurance company.

The Challenge:

A leading specialist insurer in the UK, founded in 2006 with a focus on de-risking defined benefit pension schemes, recognised the need for significant transformation to align its technology and business strategies. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, this insurer offers services such as buyouts, buy-ins and longevity swaps to provide stability and security to pension scheme members. With the vision of establishing a continuous change function within the organisation, the insurer sought the expertise of an Interim Chief Transformation Officer.

The Candidate:

In response to the client brief, Adam Gates, Partner - Insurance Practice at Odgers Interim, presented a shortlist of highly qualified candidates. Among them, David Greenwood emerged as the ideal candidate for the role of Interim Chief Transformation Officer. He brought to the table a wealth of experience as a former Management Consultant and a seasoned insurance Transformation Director, making him well-equipped to lead the insurer through its transformational endeavours.

The Solution:

Upon his appointment by the CEO on an 18-month contract, the candidate sought to instil a culture of continuous change within the insurer. His strategic approach involved aligning technology initiatives with broader business transformation objectives, thereby fostering synergy across departments and functions.

The Outcome:

David’s tenure as Interim Chief Transformation Officer yielded significant results for the insurer. Under his leadership, a dedicated change function was successfully established within the organisation, enabling the insurer to adapt to market changes more effectively and drive continuous improvement. The strategic alignment of technology and business transformation initiatives has positioned the insurer for long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.

Through his collaborative approach and strategic vision, David not only delivered tangible results during his tenure but also laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth and innovation. As the insurer continues its journey of transformation, the Interim’s contributions serve as a testament to the value of effective leadership and strategic planning in driving organisational change.