Press release

Geoffrey Timms to stand down as L&G General Counsel and Company Secretary after 27 successful years in the role; Maria Alvarez-Scott appointed successor

After 27 years in the role, Geoffrey Timms has decided the time is right to stand down as General Counsel and Company Secretary at Legal & General Group. Timms will step down following the Group’s 2026 AGM on 21st May.

27 Jan 2026

Full press release

Timms joined L&G in 1991 and became Group General Counsel in 1999. In that time, he has supported four different Group CEOs, five Chairs and numerous iterations of the Board to forge some of the Company’s most important partnerships, drive strategic M&A activity, and navigate significant economic and market challenges.

Timms will be succeeded by Maria Alvarez-Scott, who joined L&G in 2009 and is currently Deputy Group General Counsel and General Counsel of L&G’s insurance businesses. In her new role Alvarez-Scott will report to Group Chief Executive, António Simões, and sit on the Group Management Committee.

António Simões, Group Chief Executive, L&G said: “Geoffrey has been central to building the great business that L&G is today, helping us to navigate economic turbulence, driving strategic acquisitions and forging some of our most important partnerships. He steps down with our very best wishes and gratitude for his outstanding service over more than three decades. Maria is an exceptional legal practitioner and leader, with deep knowledge of L&G’s business, strategic context and culture. She will be a fantastic partner to the management team and Board as we drive our next phase of growth.”

Maria Alvarez-Scott, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary Designate, L&G, said: “I am delighted to be taking leadership of L&G’s talented Legal and CoSec teams, who are rightly regarded as some of the best in the business. At a critical time for the delivery of the Group’s strategy, our expertise, support and advice will be central to achieving our ambitions. Geoffrey has built a very strong legacy, and I’d like to thank him for all his guidance and support throughout our years working together.”

Geoffrey Timms, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, L&G, said: “I want to thank the Board, management team and the many and great colleagues that I have worked with over the years. I have had a brilliant time at L&G, in particular being its General Counsel for 27 years and I am now looking forward to new challenges. I am delighted to be handing over to Maria who I know will support the business to further strength and success.”

Notes to editors

Established in 1836, L&G is one of the UK's leading financial services groups and a major global investor, with £1.1 trillion in total assets under management (as at HY25) of which c. 43% (c. £0.5 trillion) is international.We have a highly synergistic business model, which continues to drive strong returns. We are a leading player in Institutional Retirement, in Retail Savings and Protection, and in Asset Management through both public and private markets. Across the Group, we are committed to responsible investing and dedicated to serving the long-term savings and investment needs of customers and society.

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