L&G Appoints Citi Veteran Zoe Wimborne as Group Chief Risk Officer

Quick Summary

Legal & General has appointed Zoe Wimborne as its new Group Chief Risk Officer to lead its global risk framework. Wimborne, a veteran with 30 years of experience at Citi and Morgan Stanley, will oversee risk management as L&G executes its ambitious global growth strategy starting August 2026.

How does Zoe Wimborne’s appointment support L&G’s growth strategy?

The appointment of a new Group Chief Risk Officer is a foundational move for L&G as it transitions into a simpler, better-connected business. Zoe Wimborne brings over three decades of expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments, which is essential for L&G’s goal of winning in structurally growing markets. By reporting directly to CEO António Simões, Wimborne will ensure that robust risk management remains integrated into the Group’s high-level decision-making processes.

• Global Risk Oversight: Managing a framework that covers £1.2 trillion in total assets.
• Strategic Alignment: Supporting the Group Management Committee in executing the next phase of corporate strategy.
• Regulatory Excellence: Leveraging deep experience from Tier-1 investment banks to maintain market resilience.

What professional experience does the new Group Chief Risk Officer bring?

Zoe Wimborne arrives at L&G following a distinguished tenure at Citi, where she served as Global Head of Credit Risk Review. Her background is characterized by senior leadership roles across major financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley and Barclays Investment Bank. This breadth of experience allows L&G to strengthen its disciplined risk management culture during a period of significant international expansion.

“I’m delighted Zoe is joining L&G. Risk management sits at the heart of what we do, and she brings an outstanding track record leading risk in complex, highly regulated businesses. Her experience will make a real difference as a key part of my leadership team that will take L&G forward to execute the next phase of our strategy and deliver for our customers and shareholders.” said António Simões, Group Chief Executive Officer of L&G.

What are the key metrics behind L&G’s current market position?

L&G remains a dominant financial force, managing a massive portfolio that requires sophisticated risk mitigation. The Group’s scale provides the necessary capital and liquidity to pursue aggressive growth in institutional retirement and asset management. The transition in leadership comes as the previous Group Chief Risk Officer, Chris Knight, moves to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

• £1.2 Trillion Assets: Total assets under management as of FY25.
• 43% International Reach: Approximately £0.5 trillion of assets are held in international markets.
• 17-Year Legacy: Outgoing CRO Chris Knight leaves after nearly two decades of service.

FF NEWS TAKE:

The appointment of a Group Chief Risk Officer with Wimborne’s pedigree is a clear signal that L&G is prioritizing institutional stability alongside its growth ambitions. In an era of volatile markets, hiring a Citi veteran suggests L&G is tightening its global risk framework to handle increasingly complex international portfolios. This move definitely moves the needle, ensuring L&G remains a resilient market leader during its strategic pivot.