Aviva announces next level of leadership appointments to its SME and Distribution teams

Authored by Aviva

Aviva has announced a number of appointments to its SME and Distribution teams to further strengthen its focus on visibility, responsiveness and delivery for brokers and their customers. The move follows the completion of a refreshed SME and Distribution senior leadership team, announced in September.

Leigh Langton has been appointed Head of Strategic Accounts Management and will be responsible for leading a team of Strategic Account Managers. Leigh is an experienced Lead Underwriter, working in the insurance industry for more than 20 years. His combination of strong sales experience with underlying technical knowledge will help him drive Aviva’s largest strategic relationships forward. Leigh previously worked as the Head of Regional Market for the Southeast at Zurich, and will join Aviva in January 2024, reporting to Michelle Taylor, Strategic Accounts Director.

Donna Smith will join Aviva as Head of Schemes and Operations on 29 December, reporting to Rebecca Gambrell in the newly created role of SME Portfolio Director. Donna will be responsible for the oversight and management of Aviva’s Schemes book, including Delegated Underwriting Authority arrangements across the SME business, to deliver exceptional customer service and value. Donna joins Aviva from Zurich, where she was Head of Retail Underwriting Performance and Execution and has previously worked for Lloyd's of London and Allianz.

Joanne Hastings has been promoted to Head of Customer, Assurance and Capability for SME & Distribution reporting to Sharon Boobyer from 1 December 2023. Having worked at Aviva for over 34 years, Jo brings an invaluable wealth of knowledge and unique experience to the role, including building and accelerating Aviva’s SME technical capability. Jo also has a strong underwriting background which supports Aviva’s focus on delivering good customer outcomes and maintaining underwriting quality.

Niamh Johnston will join Aviva on December 28 as Head of Change, Systems and Operational Effectiveness. Niamh has a wealth of experience in strategic planning and execution, underwriting analysis and cost reduction strategies – all of which will help Aviva enhance its operational effectiveness. Niamh joins Aviva from Zurich, where she was National Operational Performance Manager for Retail. Niamh will report to Sharon Boobyer in the recently created role of COO. Sharon was promoted into the role after serving as Head of Commercial System and Transformation in Aviva’s Commercial Lines business.

Dave Martin, MD, UK GI Distribution and SME Trading, Aviva, said, “These appointments reflect our strategy of ensuring we employ the very best people from a wide range of backgrounds, with the skills and experience to continue our growth in SME, while delivering exceptional broker and customer outcomes.

“I’m also delighted to promote Jo to her new role. Jo joins more than 60 people in our SME team who have been promoted this year, which is a powerful testament to Aviva being a great place to work and build a career.

“I am confident that these appointments will strengthen our team, further boosting our overall effectiveness, performance and portfolio decision-making. Congratulations to Jo, and I can’t wait for Niamh, Leigh and Donna to join us and get stuck in.”

Michelle Taylor and Rebecca Gambrell will start at Aviva on 5 December 2023, meaning these appointments will be in place to support our brokers and customers for the 2024 trading year.