Craig Thornton to run Halifax and Lloyds TSB general insurance

Appointment

Lloyds banking group has named Aviva UK life chief financial officer Craig Thornton as general insurance director.

Starting from 1 June, Thornton will have responsibility for running the group’s Halifax and Lloyds TSB general insurance units.

Thornton joined Aviva in 2010 as chief risk officer. He was named UK commercial director in November 2011 and UK life chief financial officer in July 2012.

Aviva declined to comment on Thornton’s departure or replacement.

Thornton said: “General insurance is a key area of growth for Lloyds and I am excited to be driving the business forward through continued investment in improving customer experience to strengthen its position as a market leader.”

In addition, Lloyds has also hired former Standard Life executive Ronnie Taylor as pensions and investments director.

Commenting on both appointments, Lloyds group insurance director Toby Strauss said: “These are two strong appointments which will help us further deliver our strategy for the insurance business. Ronnie and Craig both come with strong proven track records in the industry and I am very much looking forward to working with them.”

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.