The Hibernian group today (Monday 18 December) announces the appointment of Stuart Purdy as group chief executive.
The Hibernian group today (Monday 18 December) announces the appointment of Stuart Purdy as group chief executive. The appointment is effective from 1 February 2007. Purdy (44) will succeed Bryan Jenkins who is scheduled to retire on this date.
Purdy was appointed deputy group chief executive of Hibernian in September 2006. He joined Aviva in 1985 and was most recently managing director of Aviva India, which he led as the twelfth entrant into the newly deregulated India life market in 2002. Aviva is now the sixth largest private player in the Indian market, with 29 bancassurance partnerships and a direct sales force of 12,000. Prior to this Purdy established CGU’s life business in Ireland.
Peter Malone, chairman, Hibernian group said: "Stuart’s record in the insurance business brings a strong new skill set and a wealth of experience to Hibernian and I am delighted he has joined the Irish team. He has had an immediate impact in the relatively short time since his return to Dublin, as deputy chief executive and acting managing director of Hibernian Life & Pensions, and in the continuing integration of Hibernian Life & Pensions and Ark Life. Stuart’s experience, together with that of his board and senior management colleagues, ensures Hibernian is well positioned to achieve its potential to be a leading force in insurance in Ireland."
Tidjane Thiam, chief executive, Aviva Europe said: "The expansion which Aviva India has undergone since 2002 reflects Stuart’s commitment and approach to delivering results. Stuart’s leadership qualities and experience will be of enormous benefit in guiding Hibernian in the next phase of its development."
Speaking on his appointment Stuart Purdy said: "I am very proud to lead Hibernian at this exciting time in its development. The general insurance business is performing well in a very competitive market and in life and pensions the opportunity created by the joint venture with AIB last year, opens significant new opportunities. Together with my management colleagues, and with strong backing from our parent Aviva, I am looking forward to meeting the challenges and opportunities ahead to build on Hibernian’s market position."
Stuart also highlighted Bryan Jenkins role in leading Hibernian to the scale and competitiveness it currently enjoys: "The amalgamation of Hibernian’s businesses in Dublin into state-of-the-art purpose built corporate headquarters at One Park Place in Dublin is a fitting tribute to his leadership," he concluded.
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Media Enquiries:
Kela O’Riordan
Hibernian Group Media Relations
01 898 8482
086 606 8842
Notes to editors:
Hibernian Group is a subsidiary of Aviva plc, one of the leading providers of life and pensions to Europe with substantial positions in other markets around the world, making it the world’s fifth largest insurance group based on gross worldwide premiums at 31 December 2005.
Aviva’s principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide total sales of Ł36 billion and assets under management of Ł322 billion at 31 December 2005.
Hibernian news releases are also available on www.hibernian.ie