Royal London Asset Management has appointed Davina Goodall-Smith as its new chief operating officer, succeeding Jonathan Kennedy who is set to retire in early 2026.
Goodall-Smith brings more than two decades of experience across asset management and financial services, leading strategic change, operational delivery and digital transformation.
She has held senior roles at Barclays and BNP Paribas, and most recently served as COO for Europe, Middle East & Africa at Nikko Asset Management. She has also held independent advisory and governance roles in financial services and the charity sector.
Royal London Asset Management chief executive officer Hans Georgeson says: “I am pleased to welcome Davina as our new Chief Operating Officer. Davina brings extensive experience in operational leadership and a strong track record of driving efficiency and innovation, which will be invaluable as we continue our growth strategy and makes her an excellent addition to our executive team”.
“I want to thank Jonathan for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the years. His contribution has played a pivotal role in strengthening our operations and driving the growth of the business. I wish Jonathan a very happy retirement for when he leaves us next year.”
Goodall-Smith says: “I’m thrilled to be joining the company at such an important stage in its growth. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the business to build on our strong foundations, ensure we are well positioned to deliver on our strategic priorities, and help deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients.”
