Axa UK scoops ex-Aviva veteran as new director of retail direct

Axa UK has appointed former Aviva veteran Dave Pearce as its new director of retail direct.

He will be part of Axa UK retail’s home and motor senior leadership team and will help drive forward the team’s new strategic approach, which places technology and the customer at the heart of its operations.

Pearce will be responsible for overseeing strategy and operations for the direct business of Axa UK retail insurance.

Beginning this month (March 2022), he will report to Marco Distefano, managing director for motor and home at Axa UK retail insurance.

Distefano said: “Pearce is a highly experienced and versatile senior leader, and I am delighted to welcome him to Axa UK.

“We have been developing a new strategy that will allow us to meet the changing requirements of our customers.

“Pearce has the skills and experience to help us deliver this new strategy and continue to provide our customers with the products and services they need.”

Changing fast

Pearce joins from Aviva where he worked for more than 17 years.

Most recently, he was head of retail new business and played a pivotal role in the creation of Aviva-owned low-cost insurer Quotemehappy and the delivery of Aviva Online.

He began as a claims handler in 2005 but has since held a number of senior roles during his time at Aviva, including head of B2C pricing and head of trading for Quotemehappy and general accident.

Pearce said: “I am looking forward to joining Axa UK retail and supporting the ongoing work of the team. Customer needs are changing fast and it’s important that insurers have the right tools, technology, and skillsets to meet those demands.”