Aviva announces new chief underwriting officer for commercial lines

Aviva has announced Karen Dayal as its new chief underwriting officer (CUO) for commercial lines.

In her new role, Dayal will develop and set Aviva’s underwriting appetite across commercial lines.

She will also ensure there is alignment and enhanced governance across the global, corporate and speciality (GCS) and SME businesses.

Dayal will begin the role with immediate effect and report into UK and Ireland general insurance chief executive Jason Storah.

“I’d like to congratulate Karen on her new role,” Storah said.

“She will be an exceptional addition to the GI ExCo and play an important role in accelerating us towards our ambitions.”

Strategy

Her appointment comes after Aviva announced new underwriting roles in July 2023 to drive its GCS growth ambition.

The insurer felt that appointing Dayal “signals to the market that commercial lines is a key growth area”.

She has moved into the role after spending four years at the insurer, most recently as director of exposure management, pricing and insight for commercial lines.

“I believe this appointment demonstrates how important commercial lines is to our general insurance strategy in the UK and I look forward to the team continuing their great work,” Storah said.

Mark Dunham, who covered the chief underwriting officer commercial lines role on an interim basis, will resume his role as head of commercial lines underwriting.