Aviva, the global life insurance, investment and superannuation provider, today announced the appointment of Simon Machell as the new chief executive of the Asia Pacific region. The appointment follows Aviva's recent announcement on its restructure into four regions to reflect the increasingly global nature of the group's business.
Aviva, the global life insurance, investment and superannuation provider, today announced the appointment of Simon Machell as the new chief executive of the Asia Pacific region. The appointment follows Aviva's recent announcement on its restructure into four regions* to reflect the increasingly global nature of the group's business.
Reporting to Andrew Moss, group chief executive of Aviva plc, Mr Machell has joined from Norwich Union Insurance, the UK's largest general insurance business, where he was chief executive.
"Simon has a great track record of delivery in the Aviva group - this positions him well to lead the Asia Pacific region, as we seek to develop our Asia Pacific business as an increasingly significant part of the Aviva group," said Mr Moss.
Of his appointment, Mr Machell said: "This role provides me a unique chance to draw on the skills I have developed in every component of my career. Our presence in Asia Pacific has a foundation in place and enormous opportunities, and I look forward to working with the entire team to build our presence and drive our growth."
A new regional leadership team has been announced, including expansion of the management responsibilities held by Aviva Australia chief executive officer Allan Griffiths, who assumes accountability for Aviva's growth in Taiwan and Malaysia. While the country heads - Chris Knight, CEO Taiwan and Ho Ming Heng, CEO Malaysia - will continue to lead their respective local businesses, they now report to Mr Griffiths, who will join their local boards.
"Allan Griffiths has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and will have the opportunity to use his vast experience to support the growth and development of these new businesses," said Mr Machell.
"Aviva is increasingly a global integrated business and the way we manage our operations will now reflect this," said Mr Machell.
"The Asia Pacific markets represent exciting growth opportunities for the company."
Mr Griffiths is looking forward to the new challenges ahead.
"I am looking forward to expansion of my role and to working with the heads of Aviva's businesses in Taiwan and Malaysia," said Mr Griffiths.
"The new reporting relationship will be one of coaching and mentoring to assist our colleagues in the region in achieving their strategic goals - while each business will continue to operate independently.
"This is an exciting change which demonstrates Aviva's commitment to form strong regional relationships and share knowledge and expertise across the group."
As a result of the new regional structure, two of Aviva Australia's group executives have been promoted to new roles:
- Craig Brackenrig, former chief financial officer of Aviva Australia is promoted to finance director for the Asia Pacific region based in the regional head office in Singapore
- Rob Donaghy, former group director of product, marketing and public relations is promoted to chief financial officer of Aviva Australia.
In congratulating them, Mr Griffiths said: "These appointments reflect the growth of the Australian business and our depth of talent - also, they demonstrate Aviva's true global presence via creation of international opportunities and sharing of talent and experience across the world.
"Craig's appointment comes after nine years as CFO in the Australian business - he will provide significant financial and management experience to his new role with responsibility for finance, actuarial, risk management and corporate governance in this region.
"Rob has a strong finance background and, as appointed actuary, has worked very closely with the finance team over many years - he will assume full responsibility for all finance functions and teams providing our business with stability and continuity."
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For further information please contact:
Tim Cobb
General Manager Marketing and Public Relations
Telephone: (03) 9829 8509 or 0418 529 387
Notes to editors:
* The Asia Pacific region comprises Australia, China, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Middle East, Singapore and Taiwan. The other regions are UK, Europe and North America.
Biography of Allan Griffiths, chief executive officer, Aviva Australia
In January 2001, Allan Griffiths joined Aviva Australia as managing director of its life company and was appointed chief executive officer in April 2003. He has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. During the early 1990s, he was responsible for the first financial services franchise distribution structure at Colonial Ltd, which was replicated in the UK, New Zealand and into the banking structure of Colonial State Bank. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Business, a Diploma from the Australian Insurance Institute and a Diploma of Financial Planning.
Biography of Craig Brackenrig, finance director, Asia Pacific Region
Formerly chief financial officer, Aviva Australia, Craig Brackenrig joined Aviva in 1998. Previously, he spent 11 years with chartered accounting firm Ernst & Young, including secondments to the UK and USA, specialising in audit and financial advisory services for the financial services industry. His major clients were AMP (including demutualisation and listing), CBA, Morgan Stanley, HCF, MGICA and McDonalds Australia. He is an Associate of Institute of Chartered Accountants, and holds degrees in economics and science.
Biography of Rob Donaghy, chief financial officer, Aviva Australia Formerly group director, products, marketing and public relations, Rob Donaghy, who joined Aviva in 2001, is also appointed actuary for the life company. He has more than 25 years' experience in life insurance, superannuation and investments, including senior actuarial, strategy, marketing and capital management roles with the Commonwealth Bank and Colonial, in both the Australian and international businesses. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Australia and holds a Bachelor of Science.
About Aviva Australia
Aviva Australia, the local face of the global Aviva plc group, provides superannuation, life insurance, and investment products and services to the Australian community. The organisation has operated in Australia for more than 100 years, where it has 800 staff who serve some 300,000 customers. For information about Aviva Australia's products and services, contact your financial adviser or visit http://www.avivagroup.com.au/.
Aviva Australia is a group of two specialist financial services companies: Navigator and Norwich Union Life Australia Ltd. Portfolio Partners is the Australian funds management arm of Aviva plc. Through these companies we provide products and services in the areas of wealth creation and wealth protection for more than 300,000 customers throughout Australia.
Globally, Aviva Australia is part of Aviva plc, the world's sixth largest insurance group, the largest insurer in the UK and one of the top five life companies in Europe. Aviva was formed in May 2000 through the global merger of CGU plc and Norwich Union plc.
Aviva is a leading provider of life and pensions products to Europe and has substantial businesses elsewhere around the world. Its main activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance. It has premium income and investment sales from continuing operations of A$77.6 billion, and more than A$683.9 billion of assets under management (as at 9 Jan 2006). The group has approximately 59,000 employees and 30 million customers worldwide.
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