Cristina Nestares is one of the most prominent names in the European insurance market, recognised for her dynamic leadership, strategic foresight, and ability to transform businesses. Over the past two decades, she has played a central role in shaping the success of Admiral Group in both Spain and the United Kingdom. More recently, her appointment as a non-executive director at Aviva in 2025 has placed her at the forefront of boardroom decision-making in one of the UK’s largest insurers.
Early Career and Academic Background
Before entering the world of insurance, Cristina Nestares built a solid academic foundation. She holds an MBA from INSEAD, one of the world’s leading business schools. This academic achievement gave her the analytical mindset and global perspective needed to navigate complex business environments.
Her early professional experiences outside Admiral are less widely publicised, but what is clear is that she developed strong managerial and strategic skills, preparing her for the challenges ahead. Her move to Admiral Group in 2005 marked the start of an influential career in insurance leadership.
Building Admiral’s Spanish Business
In 2005, Admiral Group, already a well-established force in the UK motor insurance market, was expanding into Europe. Nestares was instrumental in this process, tasked with launching Admiral’s Spanish arm, Admiral Seguros.
Setting up a new operation from scratch is never easy, particularly in an industry as competitive as insurance. Nestares faced challenges such as tailoring Admiral’s UK model to Spanish consumer behaviour, recruiting a local workforce, and establishing strong brand recognition. Under her leadership, Admiral Seguros became a significant player in the Spanish motor insurance sector, proving her capability to scale businesses internationally.
This period highlighted her entrepreneurial qualities and ability to adapt corporate strategies to new cultural and regulatory environments.
Taking the Helm of Admiral UK Insurance
Cristina Nestares’ most prominent role came when she was appointed Chief Executive of Admiral UK Insurance in 2016 (formally starting in 2017). This was a critical period for Admiral, as the UK insurance landscape was undergoing rapid changes. Customer expectations were evolving, digital disruption was accelerating, and regulatory scrutiny was intensifying.
Her leadership ensured Admiral maintained its position as a market leader. She drove efforts to improve customer service, simplify digital journeys, and strengthen product offerings. Importantly, she navigated challenges such as the impact of Brexit, motor insurance pricing reforms, and the growing importance of technology in underwriting and claims management.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
One of the hallmarks of Nestares’ leadership is her people-centric approach. She is widely admired for her ability to balance commercial performance with employee engagement and customer satisfaction. Admiral Group has long been celebrated as a great place to work, and Nestares played a key role in sustaining that reputation within the UK division.
Her leadership philosophy rests on three main pillars:
- Customer First – She consistently emphasised delivering value to customers, ensuring policies were transparent, fair, and easy to access.
- Empowered Teams – Nestares has always championed employee autonomy and innovation, believing that motivated teams create the best results.
- Long-Term Vision – Rather than focusing on short-term gains, she advocated for sustainable growth, resilient business practices, and investment in digital transformation.
Navigating Industry Challenges
During her tenure as CEO of Admiral UK Insurance, Nestares faced some of the toughest challenges the insurance sector had seen in decades. These included:
- Regulatory Changes: The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) introduced reforms designed to stop price walking and ensure fair treatment for loyal customers. Nestares guided Admiral through these adjustments without losing competitiveness.
- Digital Disruption: Insurtech firms were redefining how customers purchased and engaged with insurance. Under her watch, Admiral expanded its digital channels, making the customer experience faster and more user-friendly.
- Economic Uncertainty: Brexit and later the pandemic created volatility in claims patterns and customer demand. Her steady leadership helped Admiral maintain profitability and stability.
Her resilience and ability to steer Admiral through these challenges cemented her reputation as one of the industry’s most capable leaders.
Stepping Down from Admiral
In October 2024, Admiral announced that Cristina Nestares would step down as CEO of Admiral UK Insurance. Alistair Hargreaves was named her successor, subject to regulatory approval.
Her departure was seen as the end of a transformative chapter for Admiral’s UK operations. Having spent nearly two decades with the group, her legacy was clear: she left behind a stronger, more digitally advanced, and customer-focused business than the one she inherited.
Joining Aviva as a Non-Executive Director
In June 2025, Cristina Nestares was appointed as a non-executive director at Aviva, one of the largest and oldest insurers in the United Kingdom. This move marked a new stage in her career, shifting from operational leadership to strategic oversight at the board level.
Her appointment was welcomed by the industry, as she brings deep sector knowledge, proven executive experience, and a track record of driving innovation. At Aviva, Nestares contributes to guiding long-term strategy, corporate governance, and risk management, while supporting the executive team in navigating market challenges.
This transition highlights her growing influence not just as a corporate leader, but also as a trusted advisor shaping the future of UK insurance.
Influence Beyond Admiral and Aviva
Cristina Nestares’ impact extends beyond her formal roles. She has been an active voice in the insurance industry, participating in discussions hosted by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and other forums. She often speaks on topics such as:
- The importance of innovation in customer service.
- How insurers can build trust in a digital age.
- The role of women in leadership and the need for greater diversity in financial services.
As a woman leading one of the UK’s largest insurance businesses, she has served as a role model for aspiring female executives. Her success challenges the traditionally male-dominated culture of the industry and inspires more inclusive leadership.
The Significance of Diversity in Leadership
Nestares’ career underscores the importance of diversity in corporate leadership. The insurance industry, like many sectors, benefits when boards and executive teams reflect different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
Her achievements demonstrate that diverse leadership drives innovation, strengthens decision-making, and improves organisational culture. As more companies prioritise diversity, leaders like Cristina Nestares serve as proof that such commitments can yield real business success.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Although she has stepped back from day-to-day executive management, Nestares’ influence is far from over. At Aviva, she plays a critical role in shaping long-term strategic decisions. It is likely that her experience will also see her take on more board positions in the future, potentially expanding her influence across other sectors.
Her legacy at Admiral remains significant. She helped create a culture of innovation and customer focus, modernised business processes, and prepared the company for a new generation of digital insurance.
As industries increasingly converge with technology and data-driven decision-making, leaders like Cristina Nestares will remain crucial in bridging traditional business models with modern demands.
Conclusion
Cristina Nestares is more than just an accomplished executive; she represents the qualities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing business world. From launching Admiral’s Spanish operations to leading its UK insurance arm through turbulent times, and now guiding Aviva at board level, her career reflects adaptability, resilience, and vision.
Her focus on customers, empowerment of employees, and advocacy for diversity have left a lasting mark on the insurance industry. As she continues her journey in corporate leadership, Nestares stands as a role model for aspiring executives and a powerful figure shaping the future of insurance in the UK and beyond.
