Cathryn Riley

chief operating officer
Aviva plc

born April 1962

Back to Group executive committee

Cathryn is chief operating officer, Aviva plc and has been a member of the group executive committee since May 2011. As COO, she is responsible for IT, business change and shared services across the group.

Prior to becoming chief operating officer, Cathryn was group chief information officer.

Cathryn joined Commercial Union in 1996 holding HR and director, General Insurance UK roles as well as several UK executive roles within CGU and Norwich Union. She served as operations director and retail director at Norwich Union and spent seven years in various executive roles within Aviva's UK General Insurance business. This covered the mergers of Commercial Union, General Accident and Norwich Union. Cathryn has also previously served as managing director Norwich Union Healthcare, business services director, Norwich Union Life, chief operating officer Aviva UK Life, chief operating officer and chief information officer, Aviva Europe and UK commercial director, Aviva UK.

Professional qualifications and memberships

Cathryn holds an MA, Manpower Studies from Polytechnic of Central London (now Westminster University) and is a graduate of the CEDEP general management programme at Insead. Cathryn is also a graduate of the Institute of HR Management.

Outside of work

Cathryn enjoys travelling, sports and gardening.