Direct Line Group (“the Group”) announces the latest in a series of senior management changes as it moves to the next strategic phase of building an insurance company of the future, driven by its transformation programme, underpinned by data and technology that is fully digitally enabled.
After ten years at Direct Line Group and following the successful delivery of a new motor platform, Gus Park, Managing Director of Motor and Pricing and Underwriting, will be leaving the business during August to take up other opportunities.
Jazz Gakhal has been appointed to the role of Managing Director of Motor having recently being made a permanent member of the Group’s Executive Committee (“ExCo”). She recently led Direct Line for Business overseeing a digital transformation which has delivered customer benefits using new tech, successfully establishing the Group in a strong growth market. Kate Syred will take on responsibility for Pricing and Underwriting, alongside her existing responsibilities on ExCo for Household, Partnerships and Data.
Penny James, CEO said: ‘Gus is a much loved colleague across the Group and we all wish him well for the future. Over the last ten years he has been integral to many of the Group’s successes. From launching our new motor brand Darwin, building up our digital and data capability and recently launching our new technology platform for Direct Line, Churchill and Privilege motor customers – these results have all benefited from Gus’ determination and expertise. It is testament to Gus that he leaves an experienced team as the Group enters the next phase of its strategic journey.’
On Jazz Gakhal’s appointment Penny James said:
‘I’m delighted to welcome Jazz to her new role at a time when the business has real momentum. We’re fully set for the next phase of our strategy to drive benefits and growth out of our technology transformation programme. I have no doubt she will be a great addition to ExCo - her record at transforming Direct Line for Business will bring great insight as we move to take advantage of the investments we‘ve made in data, digitalisation and our new motor platform.’
Notes to editors:
- We are the UK's only diversified insurer and we operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. We also have international investments in India and China.
- We help our 25.3 million customers make the most out of life, plan for the future, and have the confidence that if things go wrong we’ll be there to put it right.
- We have been taking care of people for more than 325 years, in line with our purpose of being ‘with you today, for a better tomorrow’. In 2025, we paid £31.9 billion in claims and benefits to our customers.
- Aviva is a Living Wage, Living Pension and Living Hours employer and provides market-leading benefits for our people, including flexible working, paid carers leave and equal parental leave. Find out more at www.aviva.com/about-us/our-people/
- As at 30 June 2026, total Group assets under management at Aviva Group were £479 billion and our estimated Solvency II shareholder capital surplus was £6.8 billion. Our shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and we are a member of the FTSE 100 index.
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