Canada Life is pleased to announce the appointment of Emma Watkins as UK Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 September 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
Emma joins Canada Life following a decade at Scottish Widows, where she most recently served as Managing Director, Retirement & Longstanding and was a member of the Executive Committee.
During her time at Scottish Widows, Emma successfully built a £6 billion bulk annuity business, spearheaded the optimisation and growth of the annuity portfolio, and played a pivotal role in the modernisation and digitisation of annuities operations. Prior to her time at Scottish Widows, Emma was a Partner at Lane Clark & Peacock LLP and held a number of senior roles within insurance businesses including MetLife Assurance Ltd and Ace European Group.
Emma succeeds Lindsey Rix-Broom, who will continue to lead Canada Life UK alongside her role as CEO, Europe, Great-West Lifeco until Emma assumes the position. Emma will report directly to Lindsey Rix-Broom and will also join the Great-West Lifeco European Leadership Team.
Lindsey Rix-Broom, CEO, Europe, Great-West Lifeco comments:
“Emma brings a wealth of experience, a strong history of impactful leadership, and a clear strategic vision. Her deep expertise, combined with her proven ability to lead complex businesses and foster innovation, makes her the ideal person to lead Canada Life UK through its next phase of development and growth.
“I am delighted to welcome her to the business and look forward to working closely with her as we continue to deliver on our commitment to helping our customers build stronger, more financially secure futures.”
Emma Watkins comments:
“I am honoured to join Canada Life and take on the responsibility of leading the UK business at such a pivotal time. Canada Life has achieved significant milestones under Lindsey’s leadership, driven by a clear strategy and focus on delivering value to customers, and underpinned by the company’s people-centred culture. I am excited to build on this momentum and look forward to working with Canada Life’s talented team to drive innovation, expand our market presence, and enhance our offering to meet the evolving needs of customers.”
-ENDS-
Enquiries:
Press enquiries should be directed to:
Rebecca Gladstone, Canada Life, +44 7833 085387, rebecca.gladstone@canadalife.co.uk
Elle McAtamney, Canada Life, +44 7913 568213, elle.mcatamney@canadalife.co.uk
About Canada Life:
Canada Life is part of a group of companies controlled by Great-West Lifeco Inc., a Canadian headquartered, international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management and reinsurance businesses. Through its subsidiary companies, Great-West Lifeco operates in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Great-West Lifeco trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GWO and is a member of the Power Corporation group of companies.
Canada Life Limited began operations in the United Kingdom (UK) in 1903 and provides UK individuals and businesses with a range of retirement, investment, insurance and wealth solutions. Canada Life offers individual annuities, pension de-risking solutions, home finance, estate planning and investment options, and workplace protection products.
Canada Life Limited (no.973271) is registered in England and Wales, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Stonehaven UK Limited (no.05487702), trading as Canada Life, is registered in England and Wales and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Canada Life International Limited (no.033178C) and CLI Institutional Limited (no.108017C) are Isle of Man registered companies authorised and regulated by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. Canada Life International Assurance (Ireland) DAC (no. 440141) and Canada Life International Assurance (Ireland) DAC are authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Canada Life Asset Management is the brand for investment management activities undertaken by Canada Life Asset Management Limited (no.3846821), Canada Life Limited and Canada Life European Real Estate Limited (no.03846823). Canada Life Asset Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Please note that while Canada Life Limited and Canada Life Asset Management Limited are regulated as stated above, property management and the provision of commercial mortgages are not regulated activities.
www.canadalifeassetmanagement.co.uk