Canada Life appoints Emma Watkins as UK CEO

Written by Adam Cadle

03/07/2025

Canada Life has appointed Emma Watkins as UK CEO, effective 1 September 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

Watkins joins Canada Life following a decade at Scottish Widows, where she most recently served as managing director, retirement & longstanding and was a member of the executive committee.

During her time at Scottish Widows, she successfully built a £6bn bulk annuity business, spearheaded the optimisation and growth of the annuity portfolio, and played a pivotal role in the modernisation and digitisation of annuities operations.

Prior to her time at Scottish Widows, Watkins was a partner at Lane Clark & Peacock LLP and held a number of senior roles within insurance businesses including MetLife Assurance Ltd and Ace European Group.

She succeeds Lindsey Rix-Broom, who will continue to lead Canada Life UK alongside her role as CEO, Europe, Great-West Lifeco, until Watkins assumes the position.

Watkins commented: “I am honoured to join Canada Life and take on the responsibility of leading the UK business at such a pivotal time. 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.

"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.”

Related Articles