Aviva, a major player in life insurance and long-term savings, asset management and non-life insurance, announces the appointment of six new general agents to its network.
Aviva, a major player in life insurance and long-term savings, asset management and non-life insurance, announces the appointment of six new general agents to its network. After an 18-week induction period alternating hands-on work and training, organised by Aviva and certified by the French professional insurance training institute (IFPASS), the new Aviva general agents will take up their duties at the following branches:
- Virginie Tondini, Grigny (91)
- Bernard Mazeron, Paris (75)
- Christophe Beau, Libourne (33)
- Eric Adokoue, Auzances (23)
- Nathalie Rougeron, Lorient and Vannes (56)
- Laurent Martin, Pont l’Abbé (29).
Recruitment of Aviva general agents on the rise since 2002
Since 2002, Aviva has been implementing a highly active general agent recruitment policy. In fact, Aviva is the only company in the market to have significantly increased its number of agents (812 in 2003, 850 in 2005, 875 in 2007). The ideal candidate could be a man or a woman, will have at least two years' university education and a successful track record in a professional commercial setting.
Academic qualifications are not the most important consideration: a relevant career path and sales experience are real assets. Whether or not the candidate is based locally will also be taken into account, as "being a local" and understanding the specific character of a region will facilitate their relationships with future customers.
IFPASS-certified training that combines theoretical and on-the-job components
Aviva has designed a training programme adapted to the new context characterised by a rise in recruitment, increasing specialisation of the insurance sector and varying approaches to branch management. The training programme allows agents to continue to perform effectively whilst acquiring new skills.
Immediately after their recruitment they undergo thorough introductory training, complemented by a second phase of training that offers them the opportunity to specialise. Throughout their careers, Aviva’s regional managers are on hand to guide agents and train them in new products and technologies.
The training programme for new general agents lasts 18 weeks. It is based on alternating approach, combining theoretical modules with hands-on training in branches. Candidates’ knowledge is tested on an ongoing basis throughout the programme. Assessment is carried out by the training team. Successful trainees are awarded a diploma certified by Aviva Assurances and IFPASS.
For two years after taking up their posts, general agents undergo complementary training intended to build on aspects of the profession in which they have acquired a basic grounding. This gives them the necessary independence, particularly with regard to the delegation of extensive powers.
The “Good Advice” approach, a key element for Aviva general agents
In France, long-term customer satisfaction is a key lever for growth. Aviva has invested heavily in this area and continues to do so. The company is gradually rolling out its policy of personal guidance for customers, known as the “Good Advice” approach, across all of its distribution networks.
This approach consists of offering customers solutions and services that truly meet their expectations and monitoring their situation regularly to make changes to policies if necessary. The general agents are responsible for ensuring that this approach is applied properly.
Virginie Tondini, appointed Aviva general agent for Grigny (91)
31-year-old Virginie Tondini plans to draw on her customer relations skills and commercial experience. She will be joining Ms Bargueden-Lasset at the Grigny branch.
Bernard Mazeron, appointed Aviva general agent for Paris (75)
Bolstered by a technical and marketing background, Bernard Mazeron has decided to take his career in a new direction. He will be running Aviva's Paris Monceau branch.
Christophe Beau, appointed Aviva general agent for Libourne (33)
Christophe Beau, 40, is looking forward to putting his experience of portfolio management and his knowledge of the insurance industry to the service of Patrick Folloppe's branch, which he will be taking over in Libourne.
Erik Adokoue, appointed Aviva general agent for Auzances (23)
With extensive experience in the management of profit centres and solid knowledge of the areas of procurement and marketing, Eric Adokoue will be heading the branch in Auzances, where he will develop the customer portfolio.
Nathalie Rougeron, appointed Aviva general agent for Lorient and Vannes (56)
Having acquired extensive experience in sales roles, Nathalie Rougeron now plans to take her career to a new level, drawing on her strong interpersonal skills. She will be joining forces with Cédrick Rougeron to strengthen Aviva's Lorient and Vannes branches.
Laurent Martin, appointed Aviva general agent for Pont l’Abbé (29)
38-year-old Laurent Martin has solid sales experience and in-depth knowledge of the world of insurance. He will use his 15 years' experience to grow the business of the Pont l'Abbé branch, where he will be taking over the customer portfolio.
-ends-
Press contacts:
Karim Mokrane (Aviva)
Telephone: +33 (0)1 7662 7685
E-mail: karim_mokrane@aviva.fr
Jérémy Bellais (HDL Communication)
Telephone: +33 (0)1 5865 0070
E-mail: jbellais@hdlcom.com
Notes to editors:
About Aviva
Aviva is the world's fifth-largest insurance group*, with more than 53 million customers throughout Europe, North American and the Asia Pacific region. Aviva’s principal business activities are: life insurance and long-term savings, fund management and general insurance.
At 31 December 2009, Aviva had turnover of €51.3 billion, with €426 billion of assets under management. Aviva is the largest insurer in the UK and one of the main providers of life insurance and pension products in Europe. A selection of images as well as all the press releases and product information from the Aviva Group are available in the press area www.aviva.com/media. Videos can be downloaded from www.aviva.com/media/b-roll-library/. Follow Aviva on Twitter: www.twitter.com/avivaplc.
With more than 180 years’ experience in France, Aviva is among the top ten players in the insurance market. Aviva France operates a balanced multi-distribution model based on a comprehensive range of products, mainly intended for individuals and SMEs.
Some 900 general agents, 1,800 branch staff, 400 life insurance advisers, almost 900 wealth management advisers (Union Financière de France) and more than 1,000 active partner brokers are at the service of three 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 recognised 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 2009, Aviva France reported consolidated sales of €6.7 billion and an IFRS-based net profit of €390 million. The company managed assets worth €77.4 billion at 31 December 2009.
* Based on gross worldwide premiums at 31 December 2008.