Aviva poaches Willis CFO

Aviva today appointed Patrick Regan as chief financial officer (CFO) from Willis, leaving the megabroker on a search for his replacement.

Regan will join Aviva during February 2010 and will become a member of the group board, replacing Philip Scott who steps down as executive director after 36 years in the role.

Regan joined Willis as CFO in 2006 and took on the additional responsibilities of COO last year. He recently established Willis Capital Markets & Advisory and is chairman of that business.

Regan has deep experience of the financial services sector gained in both the UK and USA over 21 years. His previous roles include group financial controller at RSA and finance & claims director, UK general insurance for AXA. He has also held senior finance roles at GE and specialised in corporate finance and investigations at Grant Thornton.

Andrew Moss, group chief executive said:: “I’m delighted that Pat will be joining my executive team. He has a deep understanding of the insurance business and a track record of leading change to improve financial performance and reporting. He brings a global perspective and a disciplined and highly strategic approach. These are key qualities as we seek to realise Aviva’s full potential and establish ourselves as a global group.”

Regan said: "I’m very excited to be joining Aviva at this key point in the group’s development as a global company. Aviva is a great company which has significant future potential. I’ve been very impressed by both the quality of the organisation and the people that I have met during this process, and I very much look forward to working with Andrew and his team."

Willis chief executive Joe Plumeri congratulated Regan on his achievements at Willis and added: "we are moving quickly to identify the best possible candidate to succeed Pat and help take Willis to the next level.”