Utmost Worldwide has announced the retirement of Giorgio Daboni, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following seven and a half years with the company.
He will be succeeded by Leon Steyn, the current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Utmost Worldwide. Charles Bangor-Jones, currently Chief Operating Officer in Utmost Worldwide will take over as CFO with all changes effective from 21 April 2020.
Giorgio originally joined Assicurazioni Generali in 1980 and held various senior positions in the Generali Group before taking the helm in Guernsey in 2012. During this time, Giorgio oversaw, and was integral in, the change of ownership of Generali to Utmost Worldwide, including the integration of the firm into the wider Utmost International business.
During his tenure, Giorgio has supported the transformation of Utmost International into a leading provider of international life assurance. Giorgio has created a strong foundation for the firm’s future, having also overseen the opening of offices in Switzerland and Dubai (DIFC).
The incoming CEO, Leon Steyn, joined the firm in 2012 as CFO and has had responsibility for the finance, actuarial, proposition, IT and change functions. Previously Leon held senior positions at Kleinwort Benson and Close Brothers Wealth Management.
Giorgio Daboni, Chief Executive Officer at Utmost Worldwide, says:
“It’s been a privilege to work with such a great company and fantastic people over the last seven and a half years.
“Throughout my time I’ve overseen some momentous changes, including the introduction of Solvency II, the amalgamation of Generali International and Generali Worldwide and, most recently, the sale of the company to Utmost at the end of February 2019.
“I feel confident for the business’s future as both our wealth solutions and our corporate business have significant potential, and I am confident that they will grow successfully under the direction of Leon.
“However, the time has come for me to spend more time with my family. I am thankful to all those at Utmost Worldwide and the support given to me throughout my career. I have no doubt that Leon is the right person to steer Utmost Worldwide to its future success.”
Paul Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Utmost Group of Companies adds:
“We want to thank Giorgio for his service and dedication to the business throughout his tenure. We wish him all the best for the future as he takes the time to enjoy his family.
“We also want to welcome Leon Steyn to the helm, we have every confidence in him that he will continue to drive Utmost Worldwide’s success going forward.”
