Aviva plc has appointed Tidjane Thiam to the Aviva board with effect from 1 May, when he will also become group executive director for Aviva Europe. Tidjane will have board level responsibility for all of Aviva’s European businesses outside the UK, which together account for 39 percent of total group sales.
Tidjane joined Aviva in November 2002 as group strategy and development director. He was appointed to head up Aviva’s European operations in January 2006.
“I am pleased to welcome Tidjane to the Aviva board,” said Lord Sharman of Redlynch, Aviva’s chairman. “In his five years with the group, Tidjane has played an important role in the development of our European portfolio, particularly in the fast-developing markets of Central and Eastern Europe. Aviva is now the largest writer of life and pensions business in Europe and Tidjane’s extensive international experience will ensure that we make the most of this growth opportunity. His fresh perspective and international thinking will make an important contribution to our board.”