Kitson to step down from Aviva

Aviva Sales & Marketing Director John Kitson is to step down in March 2010. A successor is to be announced in due course.

Janice Deakin will continue as Corporate Sales Director until March 2010 when she will take on a new role as part of a restructure.
Kitson, a popular market figure, played a central role in overseeing Norwich Union's multi-million rebrand to Aviva.
Kitson said: “Usually when someone moves out of a role like mine and has no plans to go into another one there’s speculation about the reasons. But there’s no need to speculate because I won’t be popping up in a competitors’ office – ever!”

“This is a personal choice to have a rest, go fishing, write a book, go to Norwich City FC away games, and take stock. I have enjoyed my time at Aviva but life moves on.”

Kitson joined the then Norwich Union 14 years ago as head of brand and Marketing, focused primarily on intermediary business. His current role on the UKGI Board covered sales and marketing for both the direct and broker businesses, as well as RAC and partnerships.

Igal Mayer, Chief Executive of Aviva’s UK general insurance business added: “I thank John for bringing so much to Aviva over the last 14 years, from driving the early growth of Norwich Union Direct to his recent prominent role in our rebrand to Aviva. We will miss him. On behalf of the entire Aviva team, as well as our brokers and partners, I wish him all the best in whatever his future holds.”

Mayer added “Alongside the news about John, we’ve been planning changes to our future Sales & Marketing team to take us forward, not just for the next six months whilst John very much remains our Sales & Marketing Director, but for the long term future. “