FINANCIAL sector veteran Fiona McBain, formerly chief executive of Glasgow-based Scottish Friendly, has been appointed as a non-executive director of insurer Direct Line.
Ms McBain’s portfolio of roles already includes the chairmanship of Baillie Gifford’s Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust, which has a stock market worth of around £8 billion.
She is also a non-executive director of electrical and telecommunications retailer and services company Dixons Carphone.
Ms McBain, who served as chief executive of Scottish Friendly for 11 years and was previously the mutual’s finance director for seven years, is also vice-chairman of Save the Children UK and a trustee director of Humanitarian Leadership Academy.
Referring to her latest appointment, which will take effect on September 1, Ms McBain, who stepped down from Scottish Friendly at the end of 2016, said: “I am excited to be joining the board of Direct Line group, which has a track record of delivering strong results and is focused on executing a robust and innovative strategy.”
Mike Biggs, chairman of Direct Line, said: “I am delighted to welcome Fiona to the Direct Line group board. Her appointment will complement the skills and experience of the existing members of the board, which will benefit from her profound knowledge of the financial services industry.”
Direct Line said on August 1 that Paul Geddes would step down as chief executive in the summer of 2019, noting he would at that point have served in the role for 10 years.
Mr Biggs said then: “Paul has made a huge contribution...and the company is deeply indebted to him.”
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