David Kneeshaw to Retire as IFGL CEO After 21 Years
Portfolio - People | Mar 20, 2025 | Zawya
David Kneeshaw will retire as CEO of IFGL at the end of April 2025 after leading the company for 21 years. He joined the organization in 2004 when it was known as Scottish Life International and has been pivotal in shaping the strategic growth of the company through both organic and M&A approaches. Notable acquisitions during his tenure include Scottish Provident International and Clerical Medical International, among others. His leadership culminated in a management-led buyout from Royal London in 2013 and later Cinven's majority investment in 2023. Although stepping down, Kneeshaw will remain a special adviser to the IFGL Board and possibly chair its DIFC operations in the UAE, pending regulatory approval. His successor, an external appointee, will be announced in April 2025 and assume the CEO role on May 1, 2025. Kneeshaw feels this transition aligns with his long-term plan, offering IFGL a fresh leadership dynamic while maintaining strong foundations and aiming for further M&A-driven growth. The company is investing heavily in technology infrastructure as part of its growth strategy, and Kneeshaw plans to enjoy retirement but remains involved with the firm in a more limited capacity.
Sectors
- Financial Services
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Arab Emirates – IFGL plans to have David Kneeshaw potentially chair its business operations in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in the UAE, pending regulatory approval.
- United Kingdom – IFGL has historically been a UK-based company with its origins and key developments taking place there, including Kneeshaw's foundational leadership roles.
- Isle of Man – IFGL operates in the Isle of Man, a significant jurisdiction for their business activities.
Industry
- Financial Services – The article discusses the transition of leadership within IFGL, a company operating in financial services, specifically focusing on insurance and investments.
- Private Equity – Cinven's investment in IFGL and its role in the strategic direction of the company highlight involvement in the private equity sector.
Financials
- Cinven's Investment – Cinven became the majority shareholder in IFGL in 2023, contributing to its strategic expansion plans.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Kneeshaw | Retiring CEO | Person | He has been the CEO of IFGL for 21 years and will retire in April 2025. |
| IFGL | Company | Target Company | International Financial Group Limited, a financial services company undergoing leadership transition. |
| Cinven | Private Equity Investor | Company | Private equity firm that became the majority shareholder of IFGL in 2023. |
| Scottish Provident International | Acquisition | Company | A company acquired by IFGL as part of its expansion strategy under Kneeshaw. |
| Clerical Medical International | Acquisition | Company | A part of IFGL's strategic acquisitions to grow its presence in the international financial services market. |
| Insight Discovery | PR | Company | A company presumably managing PR for the leadership transition with Nigel Sillitoe as the CEO. |