Leadership changes at Aviva Canada

January 16, 2018 (Toronto, ON) – Aviva announces that Greg Somerville has decided to step back from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer to become a non-executive director of Aviva Canada, effective March 1, 2018. Colm Holmes, currently Chief Executive Officer of Aviva UK General Insurance and Chairman of Global Corporate and Specialty, will succeed Greg.

Greg has been with Aviva for over twenty-five years, the last four as President and CEO of Aviva Canada. Under his leadership Aviva Canada has grown significantly to become a leader in the Canadian P&C market, insuring 3 million Canadians, writing premiums worth $5 billion annually and employing 4,000 people. 

Maurice Tulloch, CEO of Aviva International Insurance commented:

"I have known Greg for the past twenty-five years and want to personally thank him for his service and dedication to Aviva. He and I have been in discussions for several weeks about stepping back from the day to day running of the business and I am pleased we found a solution to suit all parties: Greg will continue to support Aviva Canada by providing strategic advice to the organization and I am delighted he will also join Aviva Canada’s board as a non-executive director.

Greg’s passionate support for Aviva’s customers, his tireless championing of industry and regulatory reforms, his strong relationships with brokers and his determination to grow Aviva have delivered a $5 billion business with 3 million customers. Greg has contributed greatly to transforming Aviva Canada into a leading insurer, a legacy he can be tremendously proud of.”

Colm was appointed CEO of Aviva UK General Insurance, the leading general insurer in the UK market and Aviva’s largest general insurance business, in June 2016. He leads a strong business with over $7 billion net written premiums (full year 2016 UK & Ireland GI), he has driven growth and innovation into product lines, as well as achieving high customer and broker satisfaction levels. Colm’s role as Chairman of Global Corporate and Specialty remains unchanged.

Prior to joining Aviva, Colm spent thirteen years with Zurich Insurance Group in New York and Switzerland holding roles which included CEO of their centrally managed business division and Group Treasurer and Head of Capital Management, where his responsibilities included management of Zurich’s Economic Capital models, Capital Markets, and liquidity and regulatory capital management. Before Zurich, Colm spent nine years with JP Morgan where, before leaving, he was Head of Structured Finance Services for Europe.

“Colm’s appointment reflects the quality and depth of the management team across Aviva. I have worked closely with Colm for the last four years – he has a strong track record of delivering sustainable growth and a deep understanding of what customers and brokers need from Aviva. With his credentials, I’m confident Colm will drive Aviva Canada from strength to strength.”

Greg Somerville said:

"After more than twenty-five years in Aviva, the right time has come to step back from the day to day running of Aviva Canada. My focus – the priority of all of us in Aviva Canada – remains on supporting our customers, brokers and our distribution partners. Business continues as usual.

I’m proud to hand Colm a business in good shape for the future and a community of people who care deeply about our customers. Knowing Colm as well I do, the transitional period will be smooth and I look forward to helping him, and the strong management team at Aviva Canada, take this business from strength to strength as a strategic advisor and non-executive director.”

Colm Holmes said:

"I'm excited to join Aviva's team in Canada. It is a huge honour and responsibility. I want to thank Greg for passing on a growing business and I look forward to getting to know our people, brokers and distribution partners better than I do already and continuing the excellent work already underway.”

Media Contact:

Priscilla Wong

Mobile: 647-208-7523

Email: priscilla.y.wong@aviva.com 

About Aviva Canada:

Aviva Canada is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in the country providing home, automobile, leisure/lifestyle and business insurance to 2.9 million customers. As a subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, the company has more than 4,000 employees focused on creating a bright and sustainable future for their customers and communities.

Aviva Canada invests in positive change through the Aviva Community Fund, Canada’s longest running online community funding competition. Since its inception in 2009, the Aviva Community Fund has awarded $8.5 million to over 280 charities and community groups nationwide. Aviva Canada, bringing over 300 years of good thinking and insurance solutions to Canadians from coast-to-coast.  

For more information, visit aviva.ca or Aviva Canada’s blog, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.