Matthews out of Aviva as Wilson begins shakeup

Trevor Matthews (pictured) is to step down from the board of Aviva after just over two years, the insurer has announced.

Matthews will not stand for re-election at the 2013 annual general meeting later this year, and will step down from the board ahead of the AGM, Aviva said in a statement today, which also announced several other changes to the senior management team.

The news comes a month after Mark Wilson officially took over the helm of Aviva as chief executive.

Matthews joined Aviva in December 2011 as UK chief executive. In April 2012 he was appointed executive director in charge of developed markets. Aviva confirmed that he will continue in an advisory capacity for a number of months to ensure a smooth transition of his responsibilities.

David McMillan, who at one time was considered a possible contender for the top job, has been appointed chief executive of Aviva Europe. McMillan will oversee Aviva’s operations in Spain, Italy, Turkey, Poland, Lithuania and Russia, and become chair of Aviva’s French board.

He was previously group transformation director, and before that was chief executive of Aviva’s UK general insurance business. Aviva said the appointment recognised McMillan’s “positive impact on the business during his time as transformation director”.

Wilson has also brought in some of his own people since becoming chief executive, with Nick Amin replacing McMillan as group transformation director and reporting directly Wilson. Amin was Wilson’s right-hand man at American International Assurance and was heavily involved in preparing the company for its initial public offering on the Hong Kong stock exchange in 2010.

Jason Windsor has also been promoted to chief strategy and development officer, taking over Aviva Investors from Paul Abberley, its current interim chief executive. Pat Regan will continue as chairman of Aviva Investors in addition to his other responsibilities as chief operating officer.

The changes are with immediate effect and follow the announcement on 28 January of the appointment of Khor Hock Seng as chief executive of Aviva Asia. He will assume that role on 8 March with Aviva stating his appointment reaffirmed its commitment to selected markets in Asia.

Wilson said the changes were aimed at ensuring Aviva had the “right people in the right jobs”, and that Aviva had the best possible leadership team to achieve its potential.

“David McMillan’s and Jason Windsor’s new roles recognise the strength of their achievements during 2012. Nick Amin and Khor Hock Seng are exceptional additions to the team. I would also like to thank Trevor Matthews for his considerable contribution to Aviva and wish him well for his future,” Wilson added.