Hiscox UK snaps up Aviva c-suite veteran for chief distribution officer role

Specialist insurer Hiscox UK has appointed Aviva veteran Gareth Hemming as its new chief distribution officer, a statement released today (22 August 2023)  revealed.

Hemming, who spent the last 33 years at Aviva, left the insurer in 2022 and will take up his new role later this year (1 October 2023).

At Hiscox UK, he will be responsible for trading strategy and leading the broker trading teams across the UK, including the regional operations, schemes and art and private clients.

“I’m excited to be joining Hiscox at such an important time in their growth journey,” he said.

“The business has a clear ambition, a fantastic team, good momentum and strong values.

”I look forward to working with the team and building on their success to date.”

Experience

At Aviva, Hemming, who became a market consultant for Admiral last month, most recently served as chief distribution officer.

This saw him take responsibility for developing and executing its distribution strategy, implementing data and digital initiatives and sponsoring the diversity, equality and inclusion agenda.

He also held several other senior positions, including manging director of personal lines and managing director of SME.

In his new role, Hemming willl report to Hiscox UK chief executive Jon Dye.

“Gareth is an accomplished leader and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role,” Dye said.

“He has a track record of delivering commercial performance, leading businesses through change and creating highly effective teams.”

As part of its growth ambitions, Hiscox UK launched a new broker etrading platform and an underwriting academy in March 2023.

And in September, the insurer has committed to launching a new brand marketing campaign in the UK before a global roll-out in 2024.

”Gareth’s in-depth industry knowledge and established broker relationships will help us further improve our broker distribution and deliver against our growth ambitions,” Dye added.