CFC has appointed Adam Winslow as group chief executive officer, succeeding Louise O'Shea, who is stepping down after nearly six years in the role but will remain a significant shareholder in the business.

Winslow joins from Direct Line Group, where he served as group CEO and oversaw the company's £3.7 billion combination with Aviva. Before that, he was chief executive of Aviva's UK and Ireland general insurance business. He is expected to join CFC during the summer of 2026, subject to regulatory approval. In the meantime, Andy Holmes, the company's group capacity director and a 23-year veteran of the business, will serve as acting CEO.

John Howard, chairman of CFC, said Winslow's appointment comes as the business looks to accelerate international growth and expand the use of artificial intelligence across its operations.

"The appointment of Adam as CEO comes at an exciting time for CFC as it looks to further accelerate global growth while unlocking the significant potential of AI across its operations. Adam brings more than 20 years of leadership experience and a strong track record of delivering results in both public and private environments."

Winslow said CFC's specialist business model and growth trajectory had made the opportunity an attractive one.

"CFC is one of the genuine success stories of the specialty market – a business with a distinctive model, an exceptional team and real momentum. That's what attracted me, and it's why I'm delighted to be joining."

Leadership transition

O'Shea joined CFC first as an independent non-executive director before becoming chief executive. During her tenure, the business expanded its senior leadership team, introduced a global operating model and continued to develop its specialist product offering while growing internationally.

"It has been an absolute privilege to work with the team and grow CFC into the incredible business it is today. Adam is a great leader for CFC's next phase of development and international expansion and I wish him and the whole team every success for the future."

Headquartered in London, CFC employs more than 1,000 people and operates in more than 100 countries, with offices in Asia alongside operations across Europe, North America and Australia.