Aviva has appointed Stephen Doherty to the newly created role of chief brand and corporate affairs officer.

Doherty officially begins his role at Aviva in March 2021. He will be responsible for leading the company’s brand, public policy, corporate responsibility, communications and customer strategy. Doherty will also join Aviva’s Group Executive Committee as part of his appointment and will report to CEO Amanda Blanc.

"Aviva has a strong brand and reputation, which play a critical role in our success. We are committed to strengthening and developing this key area of differentiation for our business,” said Aviva CEO Amanda Blanc. “I am delighted we have appointed someone of Stephen’s calibre and experience in this significant, new role at Aviva."

Doherty is currently serving as managing director, group head of corporate relations at Barclays PLC. He was previously director of communications at Diageo PLC and has held senior roles at communications consultancies Cohn & Wolfe, Edelman and Weber Shandwick.

A company release noted that Doherty’s appointment is subject to regulatory approval.