Emma Watkins

Emma became CEO of Canada Life UK in September 2025, taking the lead in driving the company’s strategy to invest for growth whilst simplifying and modernising its operations.  

She joined 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. Prior to this, Emma was a Partner at Land Clarke & Peacock LLP and held a number of senior roles within insurance businesses including MetLife Assurance Ltd and Ace European Group. 

Emma believes the strongest organisations succeed by bringing people together around a common purpose: delivering great outcomes for customers. She is passionate about making sure everyone across the business understands the customers they serve and the role they play in helping them navigate their future with confidence.

Emma holds a degree in Microbiology from the University of Reading and is a Fellow of the Pensions Management Institute and an ex-board member of the Pensions Administration Standards Association (PASA). 

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