Leadership shifts at Aviva as top executive exits; AXA hire fills CEO gap
Insurer Aviva has shuffled its top leadership in two primary markets following the departure of its CEO of UK & Ireland general insurance to become the CEO of Direct Line Group. A 20-year company veteran has been chosen to fill his role and join its executive committee, alongside a senior hire from AXA.
Adam Winslow, most recently CEO of UK & Ireland general insurance, is leaving Aviva to take up his new role at Direct Line. He joined Aviva in 2021 from AIG where he worked in various leadership roles for eight years. He also served as non-executive director of Pool Re. Winslow is being replaced by Jason Storah (pictured left) in the role.
Storah is currently CEO of Aviva Canada, a role he has held for four years. During his tenure, the business saw GWP growth of 34%, becoming the number two general insurer in the Canadian market. Storah has almost 20 years of experience with Aviva in a variety of roles. Prior to becoming CEO of Aviva Canada, he most recently served as chief distribution officer, where he oversaw broker distribution, partnerships – including RBC Insurance – as well as Aviva’s direct insurance business and marketing.
Tracy Garrad (pictured right) will succeed Storah as CEO of Aviva Canada and take up her post in mid-October. Garrad has held senior roles in the financial services, insurance and healthcare sectors. Most recently she was CEO of AXA’s UK Healthcare business (formerly AXA PPP), and prior to that role she was CEO of HSBC’s Channel Islands and Isle of Man business, following a four year tenure as the CEO of First Direct Bank. Tracy is also a non-executive director of The London Stock Exchange Group.
Both Storah and Garrad will report to Aviva Group CEO Amanda Blanc, and be a member of Aviva’s Group Executive Committee.
Blanc said: “I am delighted to make these appointments, both of which strengthen the Executive Management of Aviva. In Jason, we have a CEO with a track record in running a high performing General Insurance business, and our Canadian operation has thrived under his stewardship. Having successfully led its turnaround, as most recently evidenced in yet another strong quarter of growth, I am thrilled he has now accepted the role of CEO of our UK & Ireland General Insurance business. I look forward to him applying his considerable talent to taking that business forward. Jason is joining a business in great health, with a fantastic leadership team, as well as committed people, and I know that under his leadership it will go from strength to strength.
“We are also looking forward to welcoming the very talented Tracy Garrad to Aviva Canada later this year. Tracy brings a wealth of experience to our business, across multiple sectors, and her expertise will prove invaluable as we continue to grow our Canada franchise, and Aviva more broadly. She is a proven CEO, with the strength of leadership to add huge value to our business across the Atlantic.”
Storah commented: “It’s a huge honour and responsibility to be asked to lead the UK and Ireland General Insurance business. I will miss everyone in Canada, but I know the team and business will continue to go from strength to strength. I’m excited to take on this new role and join a fantastic team that works tirelessly to grow our business and support our customers.”
Garrad said: “I feel very privileged to be joining Aviva at such an exciting time. I look forward to working with Amanda and meeting the team in Canada, and I am relishing the opportunity to join a business so focussed on customers, and shooting for even further growth in this fantastic franchise.”
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