Ex-Aviva chief executive joins personal lines insurer as chairman

Policy Expert has appointed former Aviva chief executive Mark Wilson as its new chairman.

In his new role, Wilson will drive the personal lines insurer’s strategy and explore potential M&A activity.

The appointment will take effect from February 2025.

The move comes after Policy Expert surpassed 1.5m policyholders across its combined home, motor and newly launched pet insurance proposition.

Wilson will look to build on this and support company growth as part of his role.

“Policy Expert is such an exciting business that stands shoulder to shoulder with far bigger and longer-established brands,” Wilson said.

“Its profitable growth, customer-first approach and enviable culture all mark Policy Expert out as one to watch, whether you’re a customer seeking a better insurance policy or a budding technologist seeking an exciting career in one of the UK’s most successful insurers.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Policy Expert and I look forward to helping the business continue to succeed during its next stage of growth.”

Experience

Among roles Wilson has held during his 25-year career include chief executive at Aviva, with him holding the role between 2013 and 2018.

Before this, he served as the chief executive at AIA. He was also a co-founder at motor insurance insurtech Abacai, although resigned from his position as a director in July 2023.

Wilson currently holds a number of board roles, including being a non-executive director at Blackrock and Zilch, as well as the chairman at Talos Capital.

Steve Hardy, chief executive at Policy Expert, said: “Policy Expert is full of experts who love to get things done – that’s core to our successful track record and the reason we’ve been able to grow so consistently.

“Wilson embodies this entrepreneurial and dynamic spirit, so we are hugely excited to have him join the team.

“His unparalleled market knowledge and business expertise will be vital in driving the next stage of growth as we look to expand the business and cement our position as the UK’s best insurance business.”