General Insurance Article - Phoenix Group appoints Henry Staunton as Chairman

 Henry Staunton brings with him a wealth of experience at the very highest levels of corporate life. He is currently Chairman of WH Smith plc, the leading FTSE250 retail group, and Chairman of BrightHouse Group, the rent-to-own company. He is also a Non-Executive Director at Capital & Counties Properties plc.

  

 From 2004 until 2013, Henry Staunton was a Non-Executive Director, Chairman of the Audit Committee and latterly Senior Independent Director and Vice Chairman of Legal & General Group plc, where he gained significant insight into the life and pensions industry. From 2008 to 31 December 2014 he was a Non-Executive Director of Merchants Trust plc, where he was the Senior Independent Director.

  

 During his executive career he was Finance Director of ITV plc from 2003 to 2006, and Finance Director of Granada plc from 1993 to 2003. Prior to that he had a long and distinguished career at Price Waterhouse, which he joined as a graduate trainee, rising to become a Senior Partner of the audit practice.

  

 Howard Davies, outgoing Chairman of Phoenix, said:

 "We are delighted that Henry has agreed to be my successor. He has extensive Boardroom experience across a wide range of industries and his leadership will be invaluable as Phoenix charts the next stages in its development."

  

 Henry Staunton added:

 "I am extremely pleased to take up this role. Phoenix has achieved an enormous amount in recent years and is now in a strong position to grow and develop. I look forward to working with Clive Bannister and the rest of the Phoenix team to build on their recent successes."

  

 Clive Bannister, Group Chief Executive, added:

 "On behalf of everyone at Phoenix, I would like to welcome Henry to the Group. I am delighted we have appointed such an experienced Chairman, who has played a key role in the development of so many other businesses. I would also like to thank the Board, and in particular the Board Nomination Committee, for running such a rigorous appointment process and managing the succession so seamlessly