RSA appoints COO
Insurer RSA has appointed Paul Whittaker as group chief operating officer. Whittaker, currently chief executive, emerging markets will assume the role on May 1, 2014.
Whittaker, who will also become deputy chair of the group executive committee and a member of the regional executive committees, joined RSA as group human resources director in April 2003 before being appointed as CEO of emerging markets in October 2006. Under Whittaker’s leadership the emerging markets business has grown largely organically from £0.7 billion to £1.7 billion and significantly improved profitability.
Whittaker has over 20 years senior management experience in the financial services sector including three years at AXA and 10 years at GE Capital, including work in Asia and Eastern Europe on acquisition integration and business development.
In his new role, Whittaker will be responsible for leading the completion of RSA’s strategic disposals and support the remaining Emerging Markets businesses; bringing together areas that RSA believes it can add value, and co-ordinate and align the group corporate centre.
In addition to retaining his Emerging Markets responsibilities, the group functions for IT, Global Specialty Lines, Underwriting, Claims and Broker Relationships/Sales units will report directly to him.
Stephen Hester, RSA group CEO, said: "I am delighted to appoint Paul as group chief operating officer. This role reflects our new strategy and will provide essential co-ordination and focus for the successful delivery of the self-help measures underway to recapitalise the business, improve performance and develop lean, low-cost, efficient operations. Paul’s experience and expertise will ensure that we are able to drive positive change throughout the group, working across boundaries to add real value.
“Our mission remains to be really good at what we do – for both customers and shareholders. We have a bright future as a high performing, international general insurer if we deliver on our promises and use this opportunity well.”
Membership of the group executive committee will remain unchanged.
