She was previously the CEO of Direct Line Group plc (2019-2023), having joined the company as Chief Financial Officer in 2017. As CEO, Penny led a bold transformation of the business, integrating technology, AI, and digital capabilities to pivot the insurer from legacy models to a consumer-centric, agile market leader.

Before joining Direct Line, Penny held key leadership roles at Prudential plc, serving as Group Chief Risk Officer (2015-2017) and Director of Group Finance (2011-2015), where she was responsible for financial control, capital structuring, and Solvency II implementation. Her earlier career includes senior finance positions at Zurich’s UK general insurance arm and Omega Insurance.

From 2015 to 2017, Penny was also a Non-Executive Director at Admiral Group plc, and was Senior Independent Director at Hargreaves Lansdown plc until March 2025.

Alongside her corporate roles, she co chairs the FTSE Women Leaders Review (since 2022), served as Chair of the FCA’s Practitioner Panel (2022-2023).

She brings deep cross-sector expertise in:

• Insurance & risk governance – steering risk frameworks and financial resilience in FTSE-listed insurers and regulatory bodies

• Technology driven transformation – leading legacy businesses through digitisation, AI adoption, and customer-centric strategies

• Board leadership & audit oversight – serving on audit, risk, and nomination committees across listed and private equity-backed firms

• Boardroom representation & DE&I advocacy – championing gender diversity and inclusive leadership nationally

Penny is recognised for her clarity of thought, disciplined financial management, and ability to align governance with performance. Her leadership — spanning transformation, risk, and representation — makes her a compelling mentor for boards and executives navigating change in financial services and beyond.