Aviva has appointed Trevor Matthews as UK chief executive and executive director.

Matthews will replace Mark Hodges, who has resigned from Aviva to join Towergate as its new group chief executive.

Matthews is currently vice chairman of Friends Life and was previously chief executive of Friends Provident.

Aviva group chief executive Andrew Moss said: “After a successful career at Aviva I am very sorry to see Mark leave, but we understand that he wishes to take on a different challenge at this stage in his career. We wish him well in his new position."

Matthews said: “It is a privilege to join Andrew Moss and the Aviva leadership team."

Matthews' appointment is subject to FSA approval. Aviva said he start the role "as soon as possible."

David Barral, chief executive of UK Life, and David McMillan, chief executive of UK General Insurance, will continue to run Aviva’s the UK operations.