Aviva announces major reshuffle to UK general insurance business

The British insurance giant Aviva has today revealed a slew of changes to its UK general insurance business – among them the news that Nick Major, Commercial Lines MD, will be stepping down from his role to pursue new opportunities outside Aviva. In a Press release, the insurer noted that Major helped drive strong growth in Aviva’s commercial lines business during his five-year tenure, as seen from its H1 2022 results announcement.

To further accelerate this growth, Aviva said its commercial lines business will now be organised around two core commercial markets - SME (including mid-market, digital, regional speciality lines, micro and direct) and Global Corporate & Specialty (GCS). Both business units will operate from a single underwriting framework and strategy.

The insurer stated that its approach to distribution, with a single view of broker relationships and a joined-up strategy led by its distribution team, will remain in place. Aviva added that it is well placed to further capitalise on its growth ambitions with established leaders in both markets:

• Gareth Hemming will become managing director, UKGI Distribution & SME, leading the SME business. This is in addition to his responsibilities as chief distribution officer. Hemming previously successfully led the SME business three years ago and will continue to report to Adam Winslow, CEO, UK & Ireland General Insurance.
• Matt Washington will become managing director, UKGI Commercial Lines Underwriting & GCS, reporting directly to Adam Winslow. In his new role, Washington will lead a single underwriting function for commercial lines, maintaining the business’ underwriting discipline and focus as it continues to grow.

Personal lines

Meanwhile, in personal lines, following the integration of the AXA XL team to Aviva, Simon Mobey, managing director, Aviva Private Clients (APC), has opted to take early retirement at the end of this year. Aviva highlighted that Mobey has been critical to the success of establishing and leading Aviva’s extended private clients' team.

Ann Owen, current chief underwriting officer of APC, will succeed Mobey as managing director. She has worked with Mobey and the APC team for many years and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role as the business looks to become the leading high-net-worth provider in the market.

Commenting on the moves, Adam Winslow, CEO, UK & Ireland General Insurance, Aviva, said:

“We are sorry to see Nick and Simon go. Nick has been instrumental in driving our commercial lines growth and we wish him well and thank him for his contribution to Aviva. Simon has been critical to the success of setting up and leading our extended private clients team and we wish him every success for the future.

“I’m confident that the changes we’ve made to our structure will bring even greater focus on our key markets, helping to accelerate Aviva’s growth. They will also support our appetite for new business, place additional emphasis and attention on the commitments we’ve made to brokers, and deliver on our ambitious plans for our customers.”