Aviva, a major player in life insurance and long-term savings, asset management and non-life insurance, has announced the appointment of three new general agents to its network.
Aviva, a major player in life insurance and long-term savings, asset management and non-life insurance, has announced the appointment of three new general agents to its network.
After 18 weeks of on-the-job training provided by Aviva and certified by the Institut de Formation de la Profession de l’Assurance (the French Institute for Insurance Education and Training, IFPASS), the new Aviva general agents have taken up their duties in the following agencies:
- Céline Aspe, at Antibes (Alpes Maritimes).
- Maria Hamel, at Paris Daumesnil.
- Matthieu Gil, at Mazères (Ariège).
Aviva's recruitment of general agents on the increase since 2002
Since 2002, Aviva has followed an extremely active policy of recruiting general agents. This makes Aviva the only company in the marketplace to record a significant increase in its number of agents (812 in 2003, 850 in 2005, 875 in 2007). The ideal candidate could be a man or a woman, aged between 30 and 50, with at least two years of university education and a successful commercial career to date.
However, the level of qualifications is not the most important thing: a vision of their career and one-to-one sales experience are their real assets. It is also very important that the candidate is well established locally: being "from the area" and understanding the specific character of a region are vital in facilitating commercial relations with their future clientele.
IFPASS-certified training combining theory and practice in an agency setting
With a recruitment policy on the increase, a profession which is becoming increasingly specialised and a number of different agency management models, Aviva has designed a training course which is perfectly adapted to this new dynamic.
The training allows the agents to learn new skills whilst on the job. From day one, they will undergo solid initial training, followed by a second round of training to start them on their way to specialisation. Throughout their career, they will be monitored to guide them in the right direction and given training on product developments and new technologies.
The training of new general agents lasts 18 weeks. It is based on an alternating work/study approach, combining theoretical training with learning the ropes in agency-based training. Throughout the training course, the candidate will be tested on what they have learned. The assessment will be carried out by the training team and is recognized by a diploma certified by Aviva Assurances and IFPASS.
For the first 24 months on the job, the general agents will receive additional training designed to consolidate the areas of the job initially developed. This allows the general agent to acquire the autonomy they need, particularly when it comes to delegating extended powers.
The "Good Advice" approach, a key element for the Aviva general agent
In France, long-term customer satisfaction is a key catalyst for growth. Aviva has made, and still is making, major investments in this field. The company is rolling out its personalised approach to client accompaniment, known as "Good Advice". This approach consists of offering clients solutions and services which correspond precisely to their expectations and carrying out regular reassessments of their situation, to make any necessary changes to their contracts. The general agents stand guarantor for the correct application of this approach.
Céline Aspe, appointed Aviva general agent at Antibes (Alpes Maritimes)
40-year-old Céline Aspe, who is hoping to put her commercial experience and sense of customer relationship to good use, joins her husband, becoming his associate. The two plan to develop the activity of the Antibes Aviva agency.
Maria Hamel, appointed Aviva general agent at Paris Daumesnil
With 20 years' experience in the banking and insurance sector, 42-year-old Maria Hamel has decided to kickstart her career by becoming her husband's associate. She will manage the new Aviva agency in Paris Daumesnil.
Matthieu Gil, appointed Aviva general agent at Mazères (Ariège)
At 32, Gil Matthieu has decided to put his 10 years' commercial experience to good use in developing the customer portfolio of the Aviva agency in Mazères.
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Press contacts:
Karim Mokrane (Aviva)
Telephone: 01 76 62 76 85
E-mail: karim_mokrane@aviva.fr
Philippe Tréguer (HDL Communication)
Telephone: 01 58 65 00 73
E-mail: ptreguer@hdlcom.com
Notes to editors:
About Aviva
Aviva is the world's fifth-largest insurance group*, serving 50 million customers across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Aviva's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with a total turnover of €64.3 billion and €393 billion in assets under management at 31 December 2008. Aviva is the largest insurer in the United Kingdom and one of the principal providers of life insurance and pension products in Europe. Aviva group images and press releases are available at the Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media.
With more than 180 years' experience in France, Aviva is among the top 10 players in the insurance market. Aviva France stands out from the crowd with its solid, balanced and profitable multi-distribution model based on a full range of products aimed mainly at individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises: nearly 900 general agents, 1,800 branch staff, 400 life advisers, nearly 900 asset management advisers (Union Financière de France) and 1,000+ active partner brokers at the service of 3 million clients every day.
Aviva has developed unique expertise in building effective partnerships for the benefit of its clients, particularly with AFER, the largest savings association in France, and the Crédit du Nord, Société Générale and Ford groups. Specialising in unit-linked products, Aviva is recognized for the excellent performance of its long-term funds, the quality and innovation of its products and solid commitment to its customers through its "Good Advice" approach.
Aviva France is a socially responsible company and has developed initiatives that include reducing and neutralising its CO2 emissions, supporting more than 250 projects to help children and the elderly through the Aviva Foundation and implementing an acclaimed diversity policy.
The Aviva Group directly employs more than 4,700 staff in France.
At 31 December 2008, Aviva France reported consolidated sales of €6 billion and an IFRS-based net profit of €130 million. The company had €69.6 billion in assets under management at 31 December 2008.
*based on gross worldwide premiums at 31 December 2008.