Aviva UK chief exec to step down

Aviva UK chief executive Andy Briggs is stepping down from his role, the company confirmed this morning.

Briggs, who joined Aviva in 2015, will be replaced by Angela Darlington who is currently the group’s chief risk officer, a statement said, adding that it had been a joint decision by the board and Briggs himself.

He will be on gardening leave until October, with Darlington named as interim UK chief executive. She has worked in several financial and actuarial roles during her career.

Briggs will be eligible for a bonus for the portion of 2019 worked prior to the start of his gardening leave, the company said.

The news comes just weeks after Maurice Tulloch was named as the new group chief executive, a role that Briggs had originally been tipped for.

“Under Andy’s leadership, Aviva has made substantial progress in the UK over the last four years, integrating Friends Life and consolidating its position as the UK’s leading insurer. With Andy moving on, Maurice Tulloch will lead a review of the UK businesses to ensure the appropriate management structure to build on that success in the future,” a statement read.

Other changes announced were Colm Holmes, chief executive of Aviva Canada joining the leadership team, and Patrick Dixneuf, who heads Aviva France taking over Aviva’s European business. Tulloch’s old CEO International role will not be replaced, Aviva confirmed.