Adam Winslow has officially assumed the role of group chief executive officer at CFC, succeeding Louise O’Shea three weeks after the specialist insurer announced his appointment.
Winslow joins CFC from Direct Line Group, where he served as group CEO and led the insurer through its £3.7 billion merger with Aviva. Before that, he headed Aviva’s UK and Ireland general insurance business. O’Shea, who spent nearly six years leading CFC—initially as an independent non-executive director before becoming CEO—has stepped down from the position while continuing as a significant shareholder in the company.
During the leadership transition, Andy Holmes, CFC’s group capacity director and a 23-year company veteran, served as acting CEO.
Further Leadership Changes Ahead
Winslow’s appointment also paves the way for another senior leadership addition later this year. Earlier this month, CFC announced that Chris Loake, currently group chief information officer at Hiscox, will join the company as chief information officer in November. As a member of the executive committee, Loake will oversee CFC’s technology strategy.
He will join an executive leadership team that already includes group chief financial officer Jane Poole, who joined CFC last year after serving at Direct Line Group, where she previously worked alongside Winslow during the company’s merger with Aviva.
Continued Evolution of CFC’s Leadership
Headquartered in London, CFC employs more than 1,000 people and operates across more than 100 countries. The company has established itself as a specialist managing general agent (MGA) with expertise in cyber insurance and other emerging risk sectors.
Winslow’s appointment reflects a broader trend of experienced executives moving from the UK’s major composite insurers into the specialist insurance and MGA market. While his background is rooted in large-scale personal lines operations and business integration, CFC has built its reputation on founder-driven innovation and specialist underwriting under O’Shea’s leadership. Industry observers will now be watching how Winslow applies his experience to support the company’s continued growth and strategic development.
