Great-West Lifeco Inc. has announced a significant leadership change with Lindsey Rix-Broom, currently CEO of Canada Life UK, being appointed as the new CEO of Europe effective July 1, 2025. This move is part of a larger leadership transition within the company, with David Harney, currently president and COO of Europe and Capital & Risk Solutions, set to become president and CEO of Great-West Lifeco and Canada Life on the same date.
Rix-Broom will report directly to Harney and join Lifeco’s executive management committee. She will continue to lead Canada Life UK until a successor is named, ensuring operational continuity during the transition period. With over 25 years of experience in financial services, Rix-Broom has successfully led several strategic initiatives at Canada Life UK, including expansion in the UK bulk purchase annuity market and operational restructuring.
Harney praised Rix-Broom’s leadership, stating, “Lindsey’s skill, leadership, commercial acumen, and customer focus have created strong momentum in our UK business, and I know she’ll bring the same disciplined approach to this role leading our European business segment.” Great-West Lifeco’s European operations, which include subsidiaries such as Canada Life and Irish Life, have been a significant contributor to the company’s global presence. In the first quarter of 2024, the European segment reported base earnings of CA$204 million, a 15% year-over-year increase attributed to rising interest rates and improved mortality experience.
The company has been focusing on expanding its wealth and retirement businesses in Europe, with double-digit growth observed in major performance indicators in the fourth quarter of 2024. This strategic expansion aligns with Rix-Broom’s experience in driving business growth and modernization efforts in her previous role.
