Aviva has appointed Ian Ferguson to the role of chief underwriting officer for intermediary and partnerships with responsibility for driving the focus on underwriting across the broker channel whilst delivering profitable growth.
Mr Ferguson, who has been with Aviva for more than 30 years, will report to Janice Deakin, intermediary and partnerships director at the insurer. In his previous role at the provider he was chief underwriting officer for commercial, corporate and speciality lines.
Aviva also confirmed three news appointments designed to speed up the decision-making processes and make it easier for brokers to trade with the company.
Danielle Meldrum, previously acting head of household operations in claims has been appointed head of small business and schemes. Ms Meldrum, who has been with the company for 15 years, will be looking at ways to simplify Aviva's processes so that brokers have access to faster quotes and support with schemes business.
Chris Hill, previously commercial underwriting officer at Aviva, has been appointed head of commercial mid-market underwriting with the insurer looking to expand further into the mid-market sector and create a more tailored approach specifically for mid-market business. He has been with Aviva for 28 years.
Paula Colk, currently broker personal lines manager, will take up the role of senior quality and integrity manager. She will be responsible for ensuring a consistent approach in underwriting data and reporting. Ms Colk joined Aviva in 2001.
Knowledge and authority
Mr Ferguson commented: "We have more underwriters in more places than anyone else, with more knowledge and authority than ever before. We have well recognised SME strengths but we also have expertise and capacity in the mid and corporate sectors too and want to push further into these markets.
"To do this we'll be making sure brokers have faster, local access to expert underwriters whatever the size of account. We'll be looking to support these plans whilst maintaining a clear focus on underwriting for profitable growth, putting value and sustainability, over volume."
He concluded: "Danielle, Chris and Paula have a broad and diverse experience base which I know will help us achieve these goals and I am delighted to welcome them to my team."
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