MetLife UK has announced a series of strategic leadership changes to accelerate growth and transformation as it strengthens its market position.

The appointments aim to enhance commercial activities, drive innovation and ensure the business remains agile in an evolving financial landscape.

Adrian Matthews has been appointed UK deputy CEO, a newly created role focused on overseeing distribution, product and marketing strategies.

He will play a key role in ensuring MetLife UK’s commercial activities align with industry and customer needs. Previously, Matthews served as head of employee benefits since 2017 and was CFO from 2011 to 2017.

Charlotte O’Brien has been promoted to head of employee benefits (EB), joining the UK Executive Team.

With seven years at MetLife UK, she previously held roles as head of portfolio retention & growth and deputy national sales manager.

O’Brien has been widely recognised in the industry, being named a finalist in the Women in Sales Awards in 2024 and 2025, as well as winning Protection Review’s Young Achiever of the Year in 2019.

She will focus on expanding MetLife UK’s presence in the employee benefits market and driving sustainable growth in this sector.

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Rich Horner, who was appointed head of transformation & growth initiatives in December, will oversee transformation strategies to ensure MetLife UK’s products and services remain competitive and aligned with market needs.

Both Matthews and Horner will report directly to Dominic Grinstead, CEO of MetLife UK, while O’Brien will report to Matthews in her new role.

Commenting on the appointments, Dominic Grinstead said: “We’ve set ourselves ambitious growth plans over the next five years, and these key appointments ensure we have the right expertise in place.

“Adrian and Rich have been instrumental in shaping MetLife UK, and I look forward to working with them to drive future growth. Charlotte’s promotion also highlights our commitment to talent development within the business.”

“Our focus remains on offering innovative products, strengthening our distribution and adapting to market needs. As we transition to this new structure, I am confident that these leadership changes will help us achieve our long-term objectives and enhance the value we deliver to our customers.”