Gareth Howell

Chief Financial Officer

Professional Overview
Gareth Howell is a seasoned financial executive with over two decades of experience driving strategic growth and operational excellence across the insurance and financial services industries. As the Chief Financial Officer at First Central, he is responsible for overseeing the company's financial operations, implementing robust financial strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance to support the organization's ambitious expansion plans.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Chief Financial Officer at First Central, Gareth is instrumental in shaping the company's financial roadmap and optimizing its fiscal performance. He oversees all aspects of the finance function, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and risk management, while collaborating closely with the executive team to align financial decisions with the organization's strategic objectives. Gareth's deep industry expertise and analytical prowess have been instrumental in driving operational efficiencies and enhancing the company's profitability.

Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Gareth held several senior leadership positions within the insurance sector. As the Executive Managing Director of AXA Retail, he was responsible for leading the company's retail division, where he spearheaded the development of innovative product offerings and streamlined operational processes to improve customer satisfaction and drive revenue growth. Earlier in his career, Gareth served as the Product Director at AXA Personal Lines and the Director of Personal Lines Broker at Zurich Financial Services, where he demonstrated his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and deliver exceptional results.

Academic Background
Gareth holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Southampton, where he graduated with honors. His strong academic foundation, coupled with his extensive industry experience, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of financial management principles and the ability to navigate the evolving landscape of the insurance and financial services sectors.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial planning and analysis

• Risk management and compliance

• Strategic planning and execution

• Operational optimization

• Mergers and acquisitions

• Regulatory and industry expertise

Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Gareth has been recognized for his ability to drive significant improvements in financial performance and operational efficiency. As the Executive Managing Director of AXA Retail, he spearheaded the development of new product offerings that resulted in a 15% increase in customer retention and a 12% growth in revenue over a three-year period. In his previous roles, Gareth's leadership and analytical skills were instrumental in streamlining processes, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and positioning the organizations for long-term success.

Conclusion
Gareth Howell's extensive expertise in financial management, coupled with his deep industry knowledge and proven track record of driving strategic growth, make him a valuable asset to First Central. As the Chief Financial Officer, he is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the company's financial strategy, bolstering its competitive position, and contributing to its continued success in the insurance and financial services sectors.