Admiral Group plc has appointed Carlos Selonke (pictured) as an independent non-executive director, effective immediately, bringing extensive experience in financial services, technology and operational risk to the insurer's board.
Selonke is currently chief information officer at Revolut UK, overseeing technology and banking operations, including payments, customer support and operational resilience. He has more than 20 years of experience in financial services technology, previously serving as chief information officer for Santander UK and several of the bank's American operations.
Commenting on his appointment, Selonke said he was honoured to join Admiral's board and looked forward to supporting the company's ambitions and maximising digital opportunities that enable sustainable business models.
Admiral chair Mike Rogers highlighted that Selonke’s international financial services and digital transformation expertise would support the company’s efforts to leverage data and technology to deliver for customers. CEO Milena Mondini de Focatiis welcomed him, noting that Admiral continues to evolve to meet the needs of its growing customer base and that Selonke’s insights will help the board ensure good outcomes for all stakeholders.
Emphasis on tech-driven growth
The appointment reflects Admiral's strategic emphasis on technology-driven growth, data analytics and digital transformation, which are critical factors in an increasingly competitive UK insurance market.
Industry analysts suggest that with a board member focused on technology, Admiral may accelerate the development of digital products, including telematics-based motor insurance, automated underwriting and enhanced online claims processing.
Investments in data and digital tools could also improve operational efficiency and customer experience, allowing the company to respond faster to claims, personalise pricing and better manage risk. In addition, Selonke's experience in operational resilience may help Admiral fortify its digital infrastructure against disruptions, enhancing reliability and trust in its services.
The move signals a broader industry trend, with insurers placing technology and data capabilities at the centre of strategic decision-making.
For the UK market, it underscores the increasing importance of integrating digital solutions across underwriting, claims, and customer engagement to maintain competitive advantage and deliver sustainable growth.