Aviva plc, the savings, investments and insurance group, has made several executive appointments, effective immediately, to positions on the North America region executive team.
The further development of the regional executive team represents a significant step toward accelerating the growth of Aviva’s business in North America.
Mark Hammond has been appointed regional finance director for North America. Hammond, who was previously senior vice president, finance for Aviva USA, will provide overall finance and risk leadership for North America, including responsibility for ensuring the region’s strategic and operational plans align with the group’s financial disciplines, and for leading the communication of regional financial results.
Margot Cronin has been appointed to the role of strategy and business development director for North America. In this role, Cronin will lead the regional strategic planning process to develop and execute a broader agenda for the Americas. She will also be responsible for leading on regional business development opportunities that support the strategic plan – including expansion into new markets, distribution development and mergers and acquisitions. Previously, Cronin was director, research & development, Aviva Europe and International.
Gillian Platt has been appointed to the role of director, corporate affairs and human resources for North America. Previously, she was executive vice president, HR & communications for Aviva Canada. In her new role, Platt will lead the North America regional HR strategy, with a focus on talent management, engagement, culture and reputation, and will also drive regional strategy on brand, communications, corporate reputation, and corporate social responsibility.
They join on the North America region executive team Greg Boal, asset management director, who is leading the company’s initiative to grow the asset management business in the region, which currently has more than US$38 billion under management, and Robin Spencer, Aviva Canada CEO, who is responsible for continuing to grow and generate capital from what is currently the second largest property and casualty insurance business in Canada.
“I am excited to be adding such talented and experienced individuals to my regional executive team. I am confident that their strong leadership and capabilities will contribute greatly to our pursuit of relentless profitable growth across the region,” says Tom Godlasky, CEO, Aviva North America.
Aviva recently announced its world-wide long-term savings new business figures for 2007, which included 39% growth in sales in North America. This record growth in 2007 puts the company on track to meet its goal of doubling new business in North America within three years from the acquisition of AmerUs.
“North America represents a growth engine for the group and an important part of our global business and growth strategies. These outstanding additions to Tom’s team will make valuable contributions to our businesses and help maximize our growth in the region,” adds Andrew Moss, group chief executive, Aviva.