Mayer leaves Aviva as part of management restructure

Igal Mayer has left Aviva as part of a mangement restructure to 'simplify' and 'focus' the business, after little more than a year in his role.

Mayer, a former Aviva UK general insurance boss, returned to Europe as CEO EMEA in January 2011, but has resigned effective today, with Richard Hoskins and Alain Dromer also leaving as part of the reshuffle.

In a statement the insurer said: "As we now operate in materially fewer countries we have decided to remove the regional layer of our structure and are appointing the leaders of our three major businesses to the group executive committee."

It said the firm is evolving its strategy to reflect its two major markets. The developed markets, in UK & Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, the USA and Canada; and the higher growth markets in Asia, Poland, Turkey and Russia.

With effect from today the changes are as follows.

The three CEOs of Aviva's largest businesses will be joining the GEC, subject to regulatory approval, reporting directly to Andrew Moss: David Barral, CEO UK&I life insurance; David McMillan, EO UK&I general insurance; and Philippe Maso, CEO France. Chris Littlefield, CEO Aviva USA, will also report to Andrew Moss.

Trevor Matthews will be executive director for developed markets. In this role he will chair the UK & Ireland Board and be directly responsible for Canada, Italy and Spain. He will also be responsible for developing the key group-wide capabilities of underwriting,pricing and claims management. Simon Machell will be CEO for higher growth markets.

Pat Regan will continue as group CFO and will assume responsibility for Aviva Investors. Aviva confirmed a successor would be recruited for Dromer, who will report to Regan.

John Ainley, group HR and CR director, Amanda Mackenzie,chief marketing & communications officer, Cathryn Riley, chief operating officer, and Robin Spencer, chief risk officer, will continue as members of the GEC.

Andrew Moss, group chief executive, said: "The changes I am announcing today will result in a simpler and more efficient organisation which will deliver further operational benefits, accelerate delivery of our strategy and provide opportunities for profitable growth.

"I am pleased to welcome David Barral, David McMillan and Philippe Maso to the group executive committee. I would also like to thank Igal Mayer, Richard Hoskins and Alain Dromer for their enormous contribution to Aviva and wish them well for the future."

Aviva confirmed more detail on its plans for these markets and the cost savings associated with these changes will be set out at the investor and analyst event on 24 May 2012.