Great-West Lifeco Inc. has announced that Lindsey Rix-Broom (pictured above), current CEO of Canada Life UK, will become CEO of Europe, effective July 1, 2025.
The appointment follows the previously disclosed leadership transition in which David Harney, currently president and COO of Europe and Capital & Risk Solutions, will take over as president and CEO of Great-West Lifeco and Canada Life on the same date.
In her new role, Rix-Broom will report directly to the incoming president and CEO and will join Lifeco’s executive management committee. She will also continue to lead Canada Life UK until a successor is named, with the aim of maintaining operational continuity and supporting the transition process.
Rix-Broom has worked in financial services for more than 25 years. Since joining Canada Life UK as CEO, she has overseen the execution of several strategic initiatives aimed at organizational modernization and business growth. Her work has included expansion in the UK bulk purchase annuity market and restructuring efforts to optimize operational and technology platforms.
Harney said that Rix-Broom’s performance in the UK business has built significant momentum and expects further growth from her promotion in the future.
“Lindsey’s skill, leadership, commercial acumen, and customer focus have created strong momentum in our UK business, and I know she’ll bring the same disciplined approach to this role leading our European business segment,” Harney said.
Great-West Lifeco operates its European business through subsidiaries including Canada Life and Irish Life, delivering insurance and wealth management services in the UK, Ireland, Germany, and the Isle of Man. The company’s European segment has been a key contributor to its global footprint.
In the first quarter of 2024, Lifeco’s Europe operations generated base earnings of CA$204 million, a 15% increase year-over-year. The company attributed this performance to rising interest rates, increased net fee and spread income from higher assets under administration, and improved mortality experience.
Lifeco has also prioritized expansion of its wealth and retirement businesses in Europe. The fourth quarter of 2024 saw double-digit growth across all major top-line performance indicators for these operations.
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