Executive restructuring
Aviva has appointed Michelle Taylor as chief distribution officer for its UK General Insurance business with immediate effect. The appointment follows the departure of Dave Martin, who previously held the combined role of managing director for UK Commercial and chief distribution officer. Rather than making a direct replacement for the combined post, Aviva has split the responsibilities into two separate functions: a standalone chief distribution officer led by Taylor, and a UK Commercial managing director role for which recruitment is ongoing. Both positions report to Jason Storah, CEO of UK and Ireland General Insurance, and Taylor's appointment remains subject to regulatory approval.
Remit and leadership changes
Taylor’s new remit covers setting strategy for the intermediated general insurance business and managing key broker and commercial partner relationships, including strategic account partners and appointed representative networks. Taylor joined Aviva in December 2023 from Zurich, initially serving as strategic accounts director before becoming broker distribution director in September 2024. The leadership restructure coincides with other commercial lines changes at Aviva, including Alex McMurrough's appointment as chief underwriting officer for commercial lines and the upcoming arrival of Slabbert as MD of Aviva GCS and CEO of Aviva Syndicates.