Aviva Investors Appoints a Global Head for Its Insurance Division
Aviva Investors Appoints David Thomas as Global Head of Insurance
In a strategic move to strengthen its position in the global asset management industry, Aviva Investors, the investment arm of Aviva plc, has appointed David Thomas as its first Global Head of Insurance. Based in London, Thomas will report directly to Jill Barber, the Chief Distribution Officer.
Thomas joins Aviva Investors with a wealth of experience, having spent nearly 15 years at Goldman Sachs Asset Management and most recently serving as the Head of UK & Ireland Insurance Business Development at Schroders.
In his new role, Thomas will lead Aviva Investors’ global insurance solutions business, focusing on growing and developing it by leveraging the firm’s understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by insurance investors. He will also oversee the relationship with Aviva Investors’ largest client and parent company, Aviva, ensuring the firm capitalizes on the advantages of having a powerful insurance parent.
Jill Barber, Chief Distribution Officer at Aviva Investors, expressed her pleasure at Thomas's appointment, stating, “David's expertise and experience will help us create a consistent global vision and strategy for Aviva Investors. I believe he can play an important role in helping us deliver for our insurance clients and also on an ambitious external growth plan.”
Barber also emphasized the importance of Aviva Investors understanding the challenges and constraints faced by insurer investors. She believes Thomas's appointment is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The appointment of David Thomas is the second senior appointment in July for Aviva Investors' Distribution team. Earlier in the month, Sam Postlethwaite was appointed as head of global consultant relations.
Thomas will be based in London and will join the global distribution leadership team. As the Global Head of Insurance, he will work closely with Barber and the rest of the team to drive growth and success for Aviva Investors in the insurance sector.
[1] Financial Times, Aviva Investors appoints David Thomas as global head of insurance, 28 July 2021. [2] Citywire, Aviva Investors names David Thomas as global head of insurance, 28 July 2021. [3] Pensions & Investments, Aviva Investors names David Thomas as global head of insurance, 28 July 2021.
Thomas will lead Aviva Investors' global insurance solutions business, focusing on growing and developing the business by leveraging the firm's understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by insurance investors. In his new role, he will also oversee the relationship with Aviva Investors’ largest client and parent company, Aviva, ensuring the firm capitalizes on the advantages of having a powerful insurance parent, thus maintaining a robust link between finance, business, technology, and insurance.
