Davies picks group CFO

Davies picks group CFO | Insurance Business Canada

Insurance News

Davies picks group CFO

Predecessor stepping down after 12 years

Insurance News

By
Terry Gangcuangco

Professional services and technology solutions provider Davies has announced the appointment of Amber Wilkinson (pictured) as group chief financial officer joining later this year.

As part of her CFO role, Wilkinson will become a member of the group executive committee at Davies. She is taking over from Tony Debiase, who is stepping down after a successful 12-year stint as finance chief.

A chartered accountant who trained at PwC in London, Wilkinson will be making the switch from global law firm DLA Piper. She has held the CFO position there since 2021. Wilkinson’s career also includes more than a decade at AXA, where she served in senior leadership posts such as AXA Health and Bluefin Insurance CFO and mergers & acquisitions head for AXA UK & Ireland.

The leadership change follows Davies’ recent announcement of a £1.5 billion refinancing of its senior debt facilities. The move will reduce the company’s annual interest expenses, extend debt maturities to 2031, and provide a new credit line to support its ambitions in M&A, technology, and artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, Wilkinson had this to say about her upcoming role: “I am excited to be joining Davies as group CFO at what is a pivotal time, as the business seeks to further internationalize, and invest in technology and client service.

“Davies has delivered impressive growth over the past decade, while also holding on to a great culture, supported by its employee ownership programs. I look forward to working with Dan and the wider leadership team as we deliver for our clients and stakeholders.”

Group chief executive Dan Saulter commented: “I am thrilled that we have been able to attract someone of Amber’s calibre and ambition to Davies, and I am delighted to welcome her as our new group CFO.

“Amber’s experience in international business, professional services, insurance, and M&A is a great fit for Davies as we seek to execute an ambitious future strategy. I am also very grateful to Tony for his long and distinguished service at Davies. We all wish him the best for the future.”

Over the past decade, Davies has seen substantial growth, expanding its revenue 25-fold. The company now employs over 8,500 people across more than 20 countries.

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