OREANDA-NEWS. Aviva plc (“Aviva”) announces the following senior appointments subject to the completion of the all-share acquisition of Friends Life by Aviva.

This announcement follows Aviva and Friends Life shareholders’ approval of the transaction on 26 March 2015. It is expected that, if the Guernsey Court sanctions the Scheme on 10 April 2015, the transaction will complete on 13 April 2015.

Aviva announced in December that Andy Briggs, the current CEO of Friends Life, will become CEO of the enlarged Aviva UK & Ireland Life business*.

David Barral, the current CEO of Aviva UK&I Life, will be leaving the Group at the end of May. Whilst we have been working with David to identify potential options to retain him within the Group, he has decided that now is the right time to move on with the next stage of his career.

Mark Wilson, Group Chief Executive Officer, said:

“I would like to thank David for his distinguished service to the Group. David has had a successful career with Aviva spanning 16 years. Over the last three years, David has been a member of the Group Executive and has been a great partner during Aviva’s turnaround. We all wish him well as he pursues the next chapter.”

UK & Ireland Life leadership team:

John Lister, CFO UK & Ireland Life and Group Business Development Officer*: Because of the significance of the UK Life business to the Group, John will move from his role as Aviva’s Group Chief Risk Officer to lead the finance function in the UK&I Life business. John will also retain a Group remit in Business Development, supporting Tom Stoddard, Group CFO. John will continue to be a member of the Group Executive. This appointment would be effective from 1 July 2015 to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.

Other senior appointments include:

  • Clive Bolton, MD Retirement
  • Andy Curran, MD Corporate and Business Solutions
  • Rob Barker, MD Strategic Partners and Protection
  • Stephen Shone, MD Aviva Plus 
  • Jonathan Moss, combined capital planning
  • Rosie Harris, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer 
  • Kevin Moss, Chief Operating Officer 
  • James Ward, Strategy Director
  • Ceri Connolly, Acting HR Director
  • Kim Clarke, HR Integration Director
  • Rob Houghton, UK CIO

Andy Briggs said:

"The UK Life senior management team we have announced today has the experience and ambition to make the most of the considerable opportunities in the vibrant UK life and pensions sector.”