Nick Major to exit Aviva amid commercial lines shake-up

The insurer announced that Nick Major, commercial lines managing director, has decided to pursue opportunities outside the insurer after five years with the provider.

Aviva detailed that its commercial lines operation will be organised around two core commercial markets: SME (including mid-market, digital, regional speciality lines, micro and direct) and Global Corporate & Specialty.

It detailed that both business units will operate from a single underwriting framework and strategy and stated its approach to broker distribution would remain the same.

Leadership

Gareth Hemming, who replaced Phil Bayles last year, will become managing director, UKGI Distribution & SME, leading the SME business in addition to his responsibilities as chief distribution officer.

Additionally, Matt Washington will become managing director, UKGI Commercial Lines Underwriting & GCS. Washington will lead a single underwriting function for commercial lines.

The business also flagged changes in its personal lines operation with Simon Mobey, MD of Aviva private clients set to retire at the end of the year following the integration of Axa XL into the insurer. He will be replaced by APC’s chief underwriting officer, Ann Owen.

Growth

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.”

He added: “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.”

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