Direct Line Group announces that steve maddock will leave the group at the end of the year

Direct Line Group announced today that after a decade at the Group, Steve Maddock has decided to move on from his role as Chief Operating Officer in order to pursue non-executive director opportunities.

Steve has been an integral part of the Group since joining the business over 11 years ago and was a central player in the team who led the separation of DLG from RBS Group. Since its successful launch on the stock exchange the Group has delivered over £3.3 billion in dividends to shareholders. As Chief Operating Officer, Steve has driven the complete turnaround in the claims and operations functions which has transformed the experience for customers and made the Group more efficient and competitive.

Most recently Steve has been in charge of the Group’s tech transformation, successfully re-platforming its claims, sales and service applications and leading the challenging and complex Best for Customer programme which is now live across all motor brands. Not only will this enable the Group to unlock greater operational efficiency and greater pricing sophistication, it will also transform how customers interact with the Group’s brands. Steve also spearheaded the operation which moved the majority of the Group’s people to home working within a week during the first national lockdown last year.

Having successfully completed the critical transformation activity Steve set out to deliver, he has chosen to explore new options as the Group moves into the next phase of its strategy to drive benefits and growth out of the investments it has already made and become the tech and data driven insurance company of the future. The role of Chief Operating Officer will not be replaced. Steve will remain with the Group for the remainder of the year using his expertise and experience to devise the best model for the responsibilities he currently holds to deliver on the Group’s next phase of transformation and to ensure a smooth transition. The Group will announce the new model shortly.

Penny James, CEO said:

“When you look back at most of the key moments in the Group’s history, you can guarantee that Steve has been at the heart of it.   There are any number of achievements that I could call out – all of which are underpinned by his trademark determination, discipline and drive.   Steve has built a brilliant and incredibly capable team around him and so we’re using this opportunity to consider the best model for his areas of responsibility going forward. 

“We will miss Steve enormously but his legacy and achievements during his time at the Group will stay with us long after he’s left – and for that, along with his on-going support, leadership and commitment, we share our thanks with him.”

Steve Maddock, Chief Operating Officer said:

“It has been a privilege to be part of the Direct Line Group family for the last decade. Thanks to the sheer determination, dedication and passion of our people I have achieved more than I could ever have imagined. Whilst it’s hard to leave the Group, I feel the time is right for me to explore new challenges. I look forward to working with Penny and the team over the coming months to scope out the new model which will enable the Group to continue to thrive.”

For more information please contact:

Jade Trimbee

Senior Manager

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01372 839 452

Mobile: 07825 315 931

 Email: jade.trimbee@directlinegroup.co.uk

Direct Line Insurance Group plc

Direct Line Group is headquartered in Bromley. Through its number of well-known brands the Group offers a wide range of general insurance products to consumers. These brands include Direct Line, Churchill and Privilege. The Group also provides insurance services for third parties through its partnership’s division, Direct Line Group Partnerships. In the commercial sector, the Group's NIG and Direct Line for Business operations offer insurance products for businesses distributed through brokers or direct, respectively.