Guardian has today confirmed that Katya MacLean, CEO for the past five years, will be leaving the business at the end of September.
Katya joined the protection challenger in October 2016 with the objective of building a business that would make a difference to people’s lives who needed protection. Prior to Guardian’s launch in 2018, Katya carried out a variety of roles – including Proposition Director – until her appointment as CEO five years ago, taking the company from the start-up it was then to the established protection business it is today.
Under her direction the business has grown substantially year on year, with a 40% increase in sales in 2023, delivered through a diverse and inclusive culture that works hand in hand with advisers to deliver the best customer outcomes.
Katya MacLean, Guardian’s CEO, said: “It’s been the best of jobs and an absolute privilege to lead Guardian, with all its wonderful people who fizz with energy, ideas and emotional warmth. As the business reaches this stage in its maturity, it was a natural point for me to either commit to the next big phase over many years or take a break and let someone else lead the next chapter for the company. With my children reaching adulthood, the chance to take a break to see the world has proved too tempting! I am so pleased with what we’ve achieved together so far and look forward to watching Guardian’s continued growth.”
Peter Mann, Guardian’s Excutive Chairman, said: “We’re all very sad to see Katya go. She’s been an inspirational leader for our challenger brand. We wish Katya all the very best on her travels and future challenges. And thank her for her drive, direction, endless energy and enthusiasm which has made Guardian the great place it is today.”
Guardian’s Executive Chairman will lead the Executive team on an interim basis while the recruitment process to find a permanent CEO takes place.
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Notes to editors:
Press enquiries to Natalie Robinson, 07789 501146, natalie.robinsonh@guardianfs.co.uk
Guardian Financial Services is an appointed representative of Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Limited which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
All products are provided by Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Limited and we have an agreement with them to underwrite and issue the protection policies we distribute through the UK intermediary channel.
As an appointed representative of Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Limited, Guardian Financial Services Limited is the market-facing brand under which we promote our proposition and engage with advisers.
Background to Guardian Financial Services, owned by Gryphon Group Holdings
Guardian, the life and protection insurance business, launched in 2018 and pledged to grow the protection market. The brand promise of ‘Life. Made Better.’ reflects the company’s commitment to rethink and reinvent protection for the better; making sure customers get cover that’s easier to understand, simple to buy and designed to never let them down.
Guardian’s business partners
Gryphon Group Holdings is majority owned by Punter Southall Group as the largest equity capital investor. Guardian partners with UnderwriteMe for its Underwriting Engine, Liss Systems, the UK arm of Nasdaq-listed EXL, for its policy administration technology, and Space, for its front-end technology, branding and marketing. Guardian’s reinsurance partners are Hannover Re, Gen Re and Swiss Re.