Canada Life has named Emma Watkins as its new UK chief executive, effective from 1 September 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

Watkins (pictured) joins from Scottish Widows, where she spent the past decade, most recently as managing director of retirement and longstanding business.

In that role, she sat on the executive committee and was instrumental in developing a £6 billion bulk annuity business.

Her tenure also saw the strategic growth and modernisation of the annuities portfolio, including the digital transformation of operations.

Before joining Scottish Widows, Watkins was a partner at consultancy Lane Clark & Peacock and held senior roles across the insurance sector, including at MetLife Assurance and Ace European Group.

She will succeed Lindsey Rix-Broom, who has led the UK business since 2023. Rix-Broom will continue in her role as CEO for Europe at parent company Great-West Lifeco and will oversee Canada Life UK until Watkins takes up her position in the autumn.

Watkins will report directly to Rix-Broom and join the Great-West Lifeco European leadership team.

Rix-Broom described Watkins as a leader with “a wealth of experience” and “a clear strategic vision”, adding: “Her deep expertise, combined with her proven ability to lead complex businesses and foster innovation, makes her the ideal person to lead Canada Life UK through its next phase of development and growth.”

Watkins said she was honoured to be taking on the role at what she called “a pivotal time” for the business.

“Canada Life has achieved significant milestones under Lindsey’s leadership, driven by a clear strategy and focus on delivering value to customers, and underpinned by the company’s people-centred culture,” she said.

“I am excited to build on this momentum and look forward to working with Canada Life’s talented team to drive innovation, expand our market presence, and enhance our offering to meet the evolving needs of customers.”