Ant Middle leaves AXA for Aviva

AXA’s commercial lines managing director, Ant Middle, is leaving to join Aviva.

As revealed by Insurance Times, Middle is joining Aviva as UK strategic partnerships director. He will start in December.

Aviva said he will be responsible for the strategic development of the commercial business, including distribution across intermediary, direct and corporate partnerships channels, underwriting, marketing and operations. His previous positions with Axa also included that of corporate partnerships director.

Cathryn Riley, Aviva’s UK commercial director, said Middle would be working closely with the distribution directors on both the life and general insurance side of the business.

“We are already a leading player in this arena – this is about strengthening that position and investing further in our capabilities to reflect our ambitions and reinforce our commitment to the partnerships market,” she said.

“Anthony brings a fantastic wealth of experience, a real knowledge of the market and a commercial mindset that will help us accelerate our vision for this strategically important part of our business.

“He has a strong presence in the insurance industry which will be invaluable when developing this very pivotal role for Aviva.”

AXA Insurance chief executive Philippe Maso will now begin the search for Middle's replacement.

For more detail, see this week’s issue of Insurance Times.