OREANDA-NEWS. Aviva plc (“Aviva” or the “Company”) today confirms the following changes to the composition of the Board. These changes, which have been previously announced, are effective from the conclusion of today’s Annual General Meeting:
  • Sir Adrian Montague has become Chairman of the Board
  • John McFarlane has retired as Chairman of the Board and as a Non-Executive Director
  • Gay Huey Evans has retired as a Non-Executive Director
  • Andy Briggs has been appointed as an Executive Director and CEO, UK & Ireland Life
  • Sir Malcolm Williamson has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director

Andy Briggs and Sir Malcolm Williamson will stand for election at the 2016 Annual General Meeting. Their appointments have been approved by the Prudential Regulatory Authority and Financial Conduct Authority.

Sir Adrian Montague, Chairman, commented:

“I would like to thank John for his outstanding leadership of the Board and I wish him well in his new role.  I would also like to thank Gay Huey Evans for her service to Aviva over the last three years. I am delighted to welcome Sir Malcolm Williamson to the Board, as Chairman of Friends Life he is well qualified to be Aviva’s Senior Independent Director.”

Mark Wilson, Group Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“I am pleased to welcome Andy Briggs  to the Company and the Board. His experience will be invaluable as we integrate Friends Life and move to the next phase.

Sir Adrian Montague ably steps into the role of Chairman today. Sir Adrian’s knowledge, experience and wisdom make him the ideal person to succeed John as Chairman.”

Compensation Arrangements

Mr Briggs will receive a basic annual salary of ?691,875. He will receive a standard Executive Director bonus opportunity of up to a maximum of 150% of basic salary annually.  Any bonus for 2015 will be pro-rated for service.  The bonus opportunity has strong performance targets and Mr Briggs will be required to defer two thirds of any award made into Aviva ordinary shares for three years.

Mr Briggs will be granted a standard Executive Director award under Aviva’s Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) of 225% of basic salary in 2015. Awards granted under the LTIP vest after three years only if specific return on equity and shareholder return targets are met.

Mr Briggs will be required to build a shareholding in Aviva to the value of 150% of his basic salary and to retain 50% of the net share releases from his deferred bonus and LTIP awards until this requirement is met. However, it is noted that Mr Briggs already meets this requirement.

Mr Briggs will also receive pension contributions and other benefits such as a cash car allowance, private medical benefit and life insurance in line with Aviva’s published remuneration policy.

Mr McFarlane and Ms Huey Evans continued to receive fees for their role on the Board up to 29 April 2015 at the rates set out in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report and Accounts. They will not receive any payment in lieu of notice or for loss of office. As Non-Executive Directors they are not entitled to any bonus payments or share options or awards.