Aviva today appointed former AXA UK chief executive Philippe Maso as head of Aviva France.
As chief executive of Aviva France, Maso will also hold the role of underwriting, pricing and product director and will report in to Aviva Europe chief executive Igal Mayer. Maso will also join Aviva's Europe Executive Committe.
Maso and Mayer were friends while they held the positions of AXA and Aviva respecitively in the UK. The Aviva France business is £734m net written premium and general insurance and health, equalling 8.2% of Aviva's total GI and health in 2010.
Maso, who will join on July 1, said: "I am looking forward to joining Aviva and Igal’s European leadership team. I have admired Aviva’s progress for many years so it is exciting to now have the opportunity to help drive the development of both our French and European businesses and continue to offer innovative solutions to our three million customers in France.”
Mayer said: "I’m delighted that Philippe has agreed to join Aviva as CEO of Aviva France and also to lead our underwriting, pricing and product team across Europe. Philippe has an excellent track record of achievement in European insurance and will be a strong addition to our leadership team.
“His expertise and experience will enable him to lead our business in France while ensuring that we develop sophisticated underwriting, pricing and product innovation to allow our business to grow and meet our customers’ needs across Europe.’’
Aviva group chief executive Andrew Moss said: "I am delighted that Aviva has attracted someone of Philippe’s experience and I am confident that he will be a strong addition to our European team under Igal’s leadership."
After an orderly transition, Nicolas Schimel who has acted as CEO of Aviva France during the interim period, will dedicate himself fully to his position as chairman and CEO of UFF, the independent adviser company which is listed in Paris and majority owned by Aviva France.
