Aviva's Hodges replaces Homer as Towergate chief executive

Towergate has swooped for Aviva's UK chief executive Mark Hodges to become its new group chief executive, replacing Andy Homer.

Hodges, who resigned from Aviva today, will take over from the retiring Homer on 1st October 2011, subject to FSA approval.

Homer will remain on the Towergate Board as a non-executive director.

At Aviva, Hodges is being replaced by Trevor Matthews, the current vice chairman of Friends Life and previous chief executive of Friends Provident.

Towergate chairman Alastair Lyons said: "I am delighted to announce Mark Hodges’ appointment as group chief executive of Towergate following Andy Homer’s retirement. He joins a very strong executive management team and we look forward with great anticipation to Mark leading Towergate through the next stage in its development. He is an exceptional leader with enormous experience in our sector.

"I would also like to recognise Andy Homer’s huge contribution to the success that Towergate has already achieved, and to say how very pleased we are that he will be remaining on the Board as a non-executive director."

Hodges said: "The opportunity to take the lead at Towergate, Europe’s largest independent insurance intermediary, backed by Advent International, one of the premier private equity companies in the world, was irresistible.

"I am particularly looking forward to working with the excellent team developed by Peter Cullum and Andy Homer, both of whom I have known for many years. After more than 20 years with Aviva I have much affection for the business and I wish my former colleagues all the very best."

Towergate founder and former chairman Peter Cullum said: “I have known Mark Hodges for many years and we have enjoyed a very constructive working relationship – he has always been a strong advocate of Towergate.

"He brings a wealth of experience and is ideally positioned to lead Towergate’s next generation. Both Andy Homer and I very much look forward to supporting Mark as we enter another exciting phase of our development."

For more, read our analysis: Money or ambition - we ask why Hodges really left Aviva.