Aviva’s James Barnard joins Towergate as change director

Towergate has hired former Aviva IT integration head James Barnard (pictured) as chief transformation and change director.

The company said he will play a key role in driving the change programmes that are needed to transform Towergate.

The broking group is in restructuring mode following its financial rescue by bondholders and the instalment of a new management team, led by former Gallagher International chief executive David Ross, last year.

Barnard will report to Towergate chief operating officer and underwriting chief executive Adrian Brown.

In his previous role as IT integration director at Aviva, Barnard led the integration of Friends Life’s IT into Aviva.

He worked at Aviva for 16 years in several roles, including Ireland transformation director and shared service director.

Barnard said: “Joining Towergate at this time, to be part of the leadership team and to take the business forward is an opportunity I couldn’t resist.

“The scope and ambition fits with my ambition and values; moving to Towergate was an easy decision. I wanted to be part of something big and truly transformational and without doubt, this is the most exciting opportunity in the UK insurance market.”

Brown added: “We are continuing to build a high calibre team, and I believe James is the perfect person to work alongside myself and the executive to ensure the successful delivery of our change agenda.

“Attracting somebody of James’ calibre positions us well to execute on our various change programmes.”