Aviva selects new CEOs for Canada and UK&I GI

Aviva selects new CEOs for Canada and UK&I GI | Insurance Business Canada

Insurance News

Aviva selects new CEOs for Canada and UK&I GI

New CEO for Canada brings a wealth of experience

Insurance News

By
Mia Wallace

It’s a big morning for the British insurance giant Aviva which has announced the overhaul of its executive team with Jason Storah named the new CEO of its UK & Ireland General Insurance business and Tracy Garrad as CEO of Aviva Canada.

Storah (pictured left), whose appointment is subject to regulatory approval, is currently CEO of Aviva Canada, a role he has held for four years, in a period described by Aviva in a Press release as one “defined by progress”. His tenure saw GWP growth of 34% while Aviva Canada grew to become the number two general insurer in the Canadian market.

With almost two decades of experience at Aviva to his name, Storah has served the insurer in a variety of roles including as chief distribution officer, where he oversaw broker distribution, partnerships – including RBC Insurance – as well as Aviva’s direct insurance business and marketing.

In his new role, Storah will continue to report to Aviva Group CEO Amanda Blanc and to be a member of Aviva’s group executive committee, which he has been since 2020.

Meanwhile, Garrard (pictured right) will succeed Storah as CEO of Aviva Canada, taking up her new post on October 16, 2023 – subject to visa and regulatory approval. Aviva highlighted that Garrard has had a “distinguished career” taking on senior roles in the financial services, insurance and healthcare sectors.

She most recently served as CEO of AXA’s UK Healthcare business (formerly AXA PPP), and before that was CEO of HSBC’s Channel Islands and Isle of Man business, after four years as the CEO of First Direct Bank. Garrad is also a non-executive director of The London Stock Exchange Group plc. In her new role, she will also report to Blanc and is set to become a member of Aviva’s group executive committee on joining the company.

In Aviva’s Press release, it was revealed that Adam Winslow, who was most recently CEO of UK & Ireland General Insurance, will be departing Aviva to pursue an external opportunity.

Group CEO Amanda Blanc said she is delighted to make the appointments, “both of which strengthen the executive management of Aviva.”

“In Jason, we have a CEO with a track record in running a high performing general insurance business, and our Canadian operation has thrived under his stewardship,” she said. “Having successfully led its turnaround, as most recently evidenced in yet another strong quarter of growth, I am thrilled he has now accepted the role of CEO of our UK & Ireland General Insurance business. I look forward to him applying his considerable talent to taking that business forward.”

Blanc added that Storah is joining a business in strong health, with a great leadership team and committed people and affirmed her conviction that, under his leadership, it will go from strength to strength.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming the very talented Tracy Garrad to Aviva Canada later this year,” she said. “Tracy brings a wealth of experience to our business, across multiple sectors, and her expertise will prove invaluable as we continue to grow our Canada franchise, and Aviva more broadly. She is a proven CEO, with the strength of leadership to add huge value to our business across the Atlantic.”

Commenting on his appointment, Storah said it is a “huge honour and responsibility” to be asked to lead Aviva’s UK and Ireland General Insurance business. He said that while he will miss everyone he works with in Canada, he knows the team and business will continue to go from strength to strength.

He added: “I’m excited to take on this new role and join a fantastic team that works tirelessly to grow our business and support our customers.”

Tracy Garrad, CEO Designate of Aviva Canada, also commented on her appointment and said she feels privileged to be joining Aviva at such an exciting time.

“I look forward to working with Amanda and meeting the team in Canada,” she said, “and I am relishing the opportunity to join a business so focused on customers, and shooting for even further growth in this fantastic franchise.”

What are your thoughts on these appointments? Feel free to share them in the comment box below.