Legal & General, the finance giant which manages over £1.2trn in assets globally, is bringing together technology, data, AI and platforms under a single leadership role as part of plans to be a simpler, more focused and more competitive business.
Jamie Ovenden will take up the role of group chief technology, data and innovation officer and also become a member of L&G’s Group Management Committee. Group chief operating officer Katie Worgan will step down at the end of the year.
He is joining from Schroders, where he has been group CTO since late 2019 and led the company’s global digital transformation and innovation strategy.
Prior to that, Ovenden spent the vast majority of his career in retail, holding senior roles at Arcadia, The Dune Group, N Brown and Figleaves and brings deep expertise across digital, data, cloud and AI, with a strong track record of using technology to drive business transformation.
The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.
First launched in 1836, L&G is made up of three complementary businesses: asset management, including individual savers, pension scheme members and global institutions; institutional retirement, which covers defined benefit pension schemes; and retail, which provides retirement and protection solutions for consumers.
In terms of advertising, L&G has worked with a variety of agencies ovder the past few years, including Mr President which developed the major “Protect Life As They Know It” life insurance campaign, while BBD Perfect Storm has handled multichannel activity for its retail and retirement divisions.
Mediahub took on media duties last year, following a competitive pitch.
The company’s most recent campaign, “Every Client Has a Story” (pictured), centres around short documentary-style films showcasing the people, relationships and advice behind later life lending decisions. Launched in July, the activity was produced by David Kemp, with support from agencies Brandformula and HeadNorth.
L&G group CEO António Simões said: “Technology, data and AI are central to the next phase of L&G’s growth. Jamie is a highly experienced technology leader, with a strong track record of driving digital transformation, innovation and value at scale. He will be a fantastic partner to me, my wider management team and the Board as we deliver the next phase of our strategy.
“I would also like to thank Katie for her leadership and contribution to L&G, and I wish her every success for the future.”
Ovenden added: “L&G has a clear strategy, strong foundations, and real ambition for the future. I’m looking forward to working with António and the team to help shape how technology, data and AI support the group’s next phase of growth and deliver for customers, clients and shareholders.”
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