Leadership
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Sir Nicholas Lyons
Chair of the Group Board
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Andy Briggs MBE
Group Chief Executive Officer
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Nicolaos Nicandrou
Group Chief Financial Officer
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Karen Green
Senior Independent Director
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Siobhan Boylan
Shareholder Nominated Director
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Eleanor Bucks
Independent Non-Executive Director
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Karin Cook
Independent Non-Executive Director
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Sherry Coutu, CBE
Independent Non-Executive Director
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Mark Gregory
Independent Non-Executive Director
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Hiroyuki Iioka
Non-Executive Director
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Katie Murray
Independent Non-Executive Director
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Maggie Semple, OBE
Independent Non-Executive Director and Designated NED for Workforce Engagement
Sir Nicholas Lyons
Chair of the Group Board
Appointed:
31 October 2018 to 1 September 2022, reappointed on 1 December 2023
Committee membership:
Chair of the Nomination Committee
Career and experience:
Nicholas has wide-ranging experience across the financial services industry, both in executive and non-executive roles. He started his career at Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York UK (later JP Morgan LLP), where he held various roles in Debt and Equity Capital Markets and then in Mergers & Acquisitions. He later moved to Salomon Brothers and then to Lehman Brothers International Limited where he was a Managing Director and Co-Head of their European Financial Institutions Group and then Global Co-Head of Recruitment, Training and Career Development for the whole of Lehman Brothers.
Nicholas has extensive Non-Executive Director (‘NED’) experience, including Chair of Miller Insurance Services LLP, Senior Independent Director of Pension Insurance Corporation plc and Catlin Group Limited and NED of Friends Life Group Limited and Convex Group Limited. Nicholas is a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Key skills and competencies:
- Seasoned business leader with experience and understanding of insurance and the financial services industry, including the regulatory environment.
- Strong communicator, bringing a sharp focus to people leadership, succession planning and development.
- Experience in the governance of large-scale business operations, leading mergers and acquisitions and managing complex projects which are skills key to the fulfilment of Standard Life’s vision and purpose supporting his role as an experienced Chair of the Group Board.
Current external appointments:
NED at Convex Group Limited, Alderman in the City of London, Chair of Trustees of East Anglia Art Fund and Board Member of the Barbican.
Andy Briggs MBE
Group Chief Executive Officer
Appointed:
10 February 2020
Career and experience:
Andy joined the company in 2020 with over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He has held senior executive roles across multiple business areas in the industry including: CEO of UK Insurance and Global Life and Health at Aviva plc; CEO of Friends Life Group Limited; Managing Director of Scottish Widows; CEO of the Retirement Income Division at Prudential plc and Chair and President of the Association of British Insurers (‘ABI’). Andy is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries.
Key skills and competencies:
- Sound executive leadership and a considered approach to strategy, demonstrated through continued delivery of the group’s operating model. Andy has a strong history of high-profile M&A work in his previous roles.
- Broad knowledge of the global insurance industry which helps inform views on long-term strategic direction.
- Proactive approach to understanding stakeholder priorities, which closely aligns to Standard Life’s core social purpose and strategy, including work on developing initiatives such as Midlife MOT, financial and digital inclusion.
Current external appointments:
President of the ABI and a member of the Business in the Community Leadership Council.
Nicolaos Nicandrou
Group Chief Executive Officer
Appointed:
2 December 2024
Career and experience:
Nicolaos joined the company on 2 December 2024 with over 30 years of financial services experience. He most recently held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Prudential Asia & Africa, and prior to this was Group CFO of Prudential plc.
Nicolaos has held several senior finance and executive leadership roles during his career including CFO of Aviva UK Life, Group Financial Control Director of Aviva plc and Chair of the European Insurance Industry CFO Forum. He is a Non-Executive Director (‘NED’) of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Insurance Authority and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales.
Key skills and competencies:
- Experienced in leading significant transformational and infrastructure projects which assists with oversight of the implementation of the group’s evolved financial framework, driving progress towards being the UK’s leading retirement savings and income business.
Detailed knowledge of financial markets as leader of Standard Life’s financial strategy, which supports achievement of strong financial results in line with the financial framework of Cash, Capital and Earnings.
Extensive financial services experience and strong awareness of the global life insurance sector enabling informed contributions to discussions on long-term strategy.
Current external appointments:
NED and member of the Audit Committee of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Insurance Authority.
Karen Green
Senior Independent Director
Appointed:
1 July 2017
Committee membership:
Chair of the Sustainability Committee, Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee, Risk Committee
Career and experience:
Karen has over 30 years of financial services experience. She has held a number of senior executive roles including Chief Executive Officer of Aspen UK (comprising the principal insurance and reinsurance companies of the Aspen Insurance Holdings, a NYSE listed specialty re-insurer), Principal of MMC Capital Limited (now Stonepoint Capital LLC) and Director of Corporate Development of GE Capital Europe Limited. Karen has significant Non-Executive Director (‘NED’) experience, including Chair of the Remuneration Committee at Admiral Group plc, a former Council member and Chair of the Investment Committee at Lloyd’s of London, and NED and SID at Great Portland Estates plc.
Key skills and competencies:
- Significant experience in the insurance industry which supports oversight of Standard Life’s activity, aligned with market expectations and stakeholder needs.
A strong background in strategic planning and corporate development including M&A which facilitates informed oversight and constructive challenge of the development and execution of Standard Life’s growth strategy.
A balanced sounding board, with significant leadership experience and understanding of Standard Life allowing the provision of well qualified support to the Chair of the Group Board and Board as a whole as SID.
Current external appointments:
NED and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at Admiral Group plc, Board member and Chair of the Audit Committee of Tucano Holdings Jersey Ltd (the TMF Group), SID and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committees at Miller Insurance Services LLP and Ben Nevis Cleanco Ltd (the Miller broking group), NED and SID at Great Portland Estates plc, NED at Hamilton Insurance Group Ltd, Adviser at Cytora Limited and Trustee of Wellbeing of Women.
Siobhan Boylan
Shareholder Nominated Director
Appointed:
1 September 2025
Career and experience:
Siobhan is the appointed representative of one of Standard Life’s major shareholders, Aberdeen Group plc (‘Aberdeen’). She has over 30 years of experience and significant knowledge across the financial services sector and as an executive director. Siobhan is currently Aberdeen’s Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’), having joined from Coutts & Co, the private banking arm of the NatWest Group, where she was also CFO. Prior to this, she was CFO of Brewin Dolphin (a FTSE 250 constituent until its acquisition by Royal Bank of Canada in 2022), CFO of Legal & General Investment Management Limited, the asset management subsidiary of Legal & General Group plc and held various finance roles at Aviva plc. Siobhan is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.
Siobhan has previous NED experience as NED of Jupiter Fund Management plc.
Key skills and competencies:
- Brings broad financial leadership and strong financial services experience across leading organisations, offering practical insight, sound judgement and deep sector knowledge to support board-level decision making.
Extensive leadership background within financial services organisations, providing valuable appreciation of industry dynamics and contributing to informed challenge within board discussions.
Current external appointments:
Chief Financial Officer of Aberdeen Group plc
Eleanor Bucks
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed:
1 December 2023
Committee:
Risk Committee and Audit Committee
Career and experience:
Eleanor has a wealth of investment and asset management experience. Most recently she was Chief Investment Officer of Lloyd’s of London, and prior to this Eleanor was at Legal & General plc holding several senior roles including: Chief Operating Officer of Legal & General Capital, Managing Director of Direct Investments and Real Assets and Chief Investment Officer of Legal & General Retirement. Eleanor previously served as Chair of Lloyd’s Investment Platform ICAV and has held executive directorships as Chair of Legal & General Investment Management’s Alternative Investment Fund Manager and Director of Legal & General’s Single-Family Build-to-Rent business. Eleanor is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries.
Key skills and competencies:
- Seasoned investment professional, experienced in leading high performing investment teams and setting investment strategy for both insurance and pension funds.
Deep understanding of the life insurance sector and the investment approaches that underpin those businesses, which brings an external perspective and supports the delivery of robust, constructive challenge and guidance during Board discussions.
Current external appointments:
None
Karin Cook
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed:
25 August 2025
Committee membership:
Risk Committee and Sustainability Committee
Career and experience:
Karin has over 30 years’ experience in financial services. Her experience spans over retail, commercial and investment banking as well as financial advice, wealth management and insurance. Karin brings customer-focused, digital, operational and transformation experience gained from a number of leadership roles.
Most recently, Karin was Chief Operating Officer of Quilter plc and prior to this, she held a number of senior executive roles at Lloyds Banking Group plc including Director of Group Operations/Services and Chief Operating Officer – Commercial Banking as well as at HSBC Bank plc, which included Global Chief Operating Officer – HSBC Private Bank and Global Head of Derivative Operations – Global Banking.
Karin’s Non-Executive Director (‘NED’) experience includes NED of NatWest Holdings Limited (holding company of NatWest Group’s ring-fenced operations including its retail, commercial and wealth businesses) and NED of Standard Life’s Life Companies1 and Chair of SunLife Limited.
Karin has a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and has been recognised in the LGBT Great’s Top 50 Executive Allies, the FT OUTstanding LGBT Role Model list and was named Stonewall Champion of the Year.
Key skills and competencies:
- Deep knowledge and understanding of Standard Life’s Life Companies, providing insight and perspective to Group Board discussions and adding value as a NED of the Group and Life Companies, whilst maintaining her independence.
Knowledge of running large global operational and technology teams, delivering major strategic change, including technology-enabled programmes and transformations, which supports the strategic objectives of Standard Life.
Current external appointments:
NED of NatWest Holdings Limited
National Westminster Bank Public Limited Company and The Royal Bank of Scotland Public Limited Company (neither of which are UK listed).
1The term “Life Companies” refers collectively to the group’s insurance subsidiaries: Phoenix Life CA Limited, Phoenix Life Limited, ReAssure Life Limited, ReAssure Limited and Standard Life Assurance Limited.
Sherry Coutu
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed:
1 May 2025
Committee membership:
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
Career and experience:
Sherry has a wealth of business and entrepreneurial experience, having founded several technology companies and invested in both tech start-up companies and venture capital firms. Throughout her career, Sherry has held senior leadership positions including Chief Executive Officer at Interactive Investor International plc and UK Managing Director at ISI Emerging Markets Group and has supported numerous companies in their transformation journeys.
Sherry has significant experience as a NED from a combination of technology, investment, innovation, education and financial services organisations that empower their customers. Her experience includes roles as NED at London Stock Exchange Group plc, Senior Independent Director (‘SID’) and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at RM plc and Raspberry Pi Holdings plc and NED and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at Pearson plc and Zoopla plc before it was bought by private equity.
Key skills and competencies:
- Established Remuneration Committee Chair with experience in different industries and regulated environments which enables well-informed and productive discussions at the Remuneration Committee, whilst always being mindful of Standard Life’s stakeholders.
Deep understanding of the role posed by technology, Artificial Intelligence and cyber within the business environment, which offers a unique insight into the ways in which Standard Life can capitalise on opportunities and keep abreast of risks whilst navigating a rapidly changing landscape.
Current external appointments:
NED and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at Pearson plc, SID and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at Raspberry Pi Holdings plc, Chair of Trustees at Founders4Schools.
Mark Gregory
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed:
1 April 2023
Committee membership:
Joint Chair of the Group & Life Companies’ Risk Committee, Audit Committee, Nomination Committee and Remuneration Committee.
Career and experience:
Mark has 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Most recently, Mark was Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’) of Merian Global Investors Limited (‘Merian’). Preceding this, he held roles at Legal & General Group plc including Group Chief Financial Officer, CEO of Savings and Managing Director of With Profits, at Asda Limited as the Divisional Director for Finance and the Business Development Director and at Kingfisher plc as a Senior Financial Analyst. His NED experience consists of roles as NED and Chair of the Risk Committee at Direct Line Insurance Group plc and NED at Entain plc and Merian. Mark is an associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.
Key skills and competencies:
- A wealth of executive finance experience and acumen and a deep knowledge of the insurance industry, particularly life and general insurance, which contribute to his effectiveness as Joint Chair of the Group and Life Companies’ Risk Committee and a member of the Audit Committee.
Highly qualified to appraise strategy development and execution having led corporate projects and transactions with added appreciation of the retail sector and customer service activity.
Valuable experience in establishing and delivering strategy whilst managing risk appetite and compliance, which contributes to his effectiveness as Chair of the Risk Committee.
Current external appointments:
NED of Westdown Park Management Company Limited.
Hiroyuki Iioka
Non-Executive Director
Appointed:
23 July 2020
Career and experience:
Hiroyuki is the appointed representative of one of Standard Life’s major shareholders, MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc. (‘MS&AD’). He has over 37 years of experience and is currently the Senior Advisor for MSIG Corporate Services (Europe) Limited. Previously he was Senior General Manager for the International Business Planning at MS&AD, General Manager for the Asian Life insurance Business Department at Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited (Japan) and Assistant General Manager for MSIG Holdings (Europe) Limited (UK). Hiroyuki’s NED experience includes roles as NED of ReAssure Group plc, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance (London Management) Limited (UK) and an Alternate NED of Challenger Limited (Australia). Hiroyuki is a Chartered Member of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan and Certified International Investment Analysts.
Key skills and competencies:
- Commercial business leader, providing an international business perspective, with strong global insurance and financial services industry experience.
Responsible for general management, including managing efficient and effective operations and business development within the financial services industry.
Current external appointments:
Senior Adviser for MSIG Corporate Services (Europe) Limited, a UK subsidiary of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.
Katie Murray
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed:
1 April 2022
Committee membership:
Chair of the Audit Committee, Nomination Committee
Career and experience:
Katie has over 30 years of experience gained across the financial services industry and is currently Group Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’) of NatWest Group plc, having also acted as Deputy Group CFO. Prior to this, Katie spent a number of years at Old Mutual plc, where she held various senior executive roles including Group Finance Director of Old Mutual Emerging Markets, Director of Finance – Group Chief Accountant and Head of Group Planning and Analysis. She was also a Senior Audit Manager at KPMG LLP. Katie is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland.
Key skills and competencies:
- Vast financial services experience means that she is well placed to provide valuable and technical input in both Board discussions and in her capacity as Chair of the Audit Committee.
Current business leader with recent and relevant financial experience and deep understanding of industry complexities.
Valuable knowledge and executive director experience within global financial services organisations.
Plays an active role in the development and reporting for climate reporting across the financial services sector.
Current external appointments:
Group Chief Financial Officer of NatWest Group plc.
Maggie Semple
Independent Non-Executive Director and Designated NED for Workforce Engagement
Appointed:
1 June 2022
Committee membership:
Remuneration Committee and Sustainability Committee.
Career and experience:
Maggie is currently a business owner and co-founder of three businesses; The Experience Corps, Maggie Semple Ltd and I-Cubed Group Ltd. Prior to this, Maggie acted as Director of Learning Experience at the New Millennium Experience Co and Director of Education and Training for the Arts Council England. She began her career in education as a teacher and later an education inspector and has received an OBE for her services to learning.
Maggie’s NED experience includes roles as NED of PwC Business Restructuring Services, JN Bank UK Limited, McDonald’s Restaurants Limited and as an Ambassador of the Black British Voices Project.
Key skills and competencies:
- A combination of experience and passion for sustainability, ethics and inclusivity which brings a breadth of knowledge across the broad ESG agenda and informs development of operations and strategy in this area.
Brings a strong sense of social purpose and depth of perspective to Board considerations and distinguished stakeholder engagement with a highly personable style, as is evident in her role as Designated NED for Workforce Engagement.
Current external appointments:
NED of Crest Nicholson Holdings plc and Ambassador of British Black Voices Project.