By: 30 September 2019
Holmes revamps UK GI leadership at Aviva

Aviva global general insurance boss Colm Holmes has made several changes to the UK leadership team, with Rob Townend set to depart.

The changes follow the announcement made earlier this year that Aviva’s life and general insurance businesses will be managed separately.

After more than 23 years at Aviva, Townend, managing director of UK general insurance, has decided to leave the business.

He will continue to work closely with Holmes until the end of the year, taking a lead role in transitioning the business to the new structure.

Andrew Morrish will continue as Aviva’s UK general insurance claims director.

Other leadership changes in the UK include Phil Bayles taking on the role of chief distribution officer, which includes brokers and strategic partners.

Aviva’s personal and commercial lines groups will get new managing directors, with Gareth Hemming and Patrick Tiernan taking these over, respectively.

Tiernan’s appointment brings together Aviva’s global corporate and specialty and small- and medium-sized entity businesses.

Owen Morris will take on the role of chief underwriting and data officer. Blair Turnbull will be the new chief digital officer.

Commenting on the changes, Holmes said: “I would like to personally thank Rob Townend for the contribution he has made to Aviva over many years.”

“His skill and experience have helped transform our general insurance business and his tireless campaigning on personal injury reform, to address the compensation culture, has even helped change the law in the UK. Rob and I will continue to work closely together over the next few months and I wish him all the best for the future.”