Aviva Reshuffles Executive Team, as Snowball Leaves

The UK’s Aviva plc. moved quickly to reform its executive team after Patrick Snowball, currently group executive director, Aviva UK, announced his intention to leave the company at the end of June. Aviva said he would “take up the role of deputy chairman at Towergate Partnership, a significant business partner for Norwich Union in the UK.”

According to several reports, Snowball resigned when it became apparent that his differences with Andrew Moss, the group’s chief executive, had become insurmountable. Both men had been in contention to succeed group chief executive Richard Harvey, who announced last year that he would retire in July.

Moss appeared to be the winner, as Aviva announced that he has been selected as the Group’s new chief executive as of July 12. Aviva also confirmed an earlier announcement that “Philip Scott, currently executive director with responsibility for Aviva’s operations outside Europe, will become group finance director. He will continue to be a member of Aviva plc’s board and will also retain his responsibilities for asset management.

“Tidjane Thiam, chief executive, Aviva Europe, Mark Hodges, chief executive, Norwich Union Life, Anupam Sahay, group strategy and planning director, and John Ainley, group HR director, will continue in their current roles.”

“Tom Godlasky, currently chief executive, Aviva USA, will become chief executive, North America, and will lead Aviva’s operations in the USA and Canada.

“Simon Machell, currently chief executive, Norwich Union General Insurance, will become chief executive, Asia Pacific, and will lead Aviva’s Asian and Australian businesses.

“Igal Mayer, currently chief executive, Aviva Canada, will become chief executive, Norwich Union General Insurance.

“All the executives above will report to Andrew Moss and will be members of the group executive committee, which is chaired by the group chief executive.” The appointments will likewise take effect July 12, 2007 “and are subject to the appropriate regulatory approvals.”

Moss, Lloyd’s former CFO, noted: “Aviva is increasingly a multi-national business and the way we manage our operations will now reflect this. I’m excited to be working with such a talented executive team. Together we will continue to drive aggressive, high-quality growth for Aviva. We have a strong and well-balanced portfolio of businesses and our prospects are excellent.”

Lord Sharman of Redlynch, Aviva’s chairman, added: “Andrew Moss has appointed a team of strong leaders who will bring new energy and a solid track record of delivery to Aviva’s ambitious growth plans. Patrick Snowball has made an excellent contribution to Aviva over his many years with the group. The board wishes him every success in his future career.”