Aviva promotes for new commercial lines chief underwriting officer

Aviva has promoted Alex McMurrough to the role of chief underwriting officer for commercial lines.

McMurrough joined the insurer in September 2025 as director of pricing, insights and exposure management.

Prior to Aviva, she held leadership positions at QBE and Axa XL, where she led global pricing and data science teams.

In her new role, McMurrough will lead underwriting strategy and risk appetite across Aviva’s commercial lines. She is now also expanding her remit to include technical underwriting.

McMurrough said: “I’m thrilled to take on this role. Aviva has a strong commercial lines business underpinned by disciplined underwriting and data led insight.

”I’m excited to build on this, working closely with our talented teams to drive sustainable growth and strengthening support for our brokers and customers.”

Succession

McMurrough succeeds Karen Dayal, who has left Aviva to take up an external opportunity.

Jason Storah, chief executive of UK and Ireland general insurance at Aviva, said: “I’d like to thank Dayal for all her contributions and wish her every success for the future.”

Speaking about McMurrough, he added: ”With a wealth of industry experience, she is well positioned to further enhance our pricing and underwriting capabilities, while supporting continued growth and performance across our commercial lines business.

“Since joining Aviva last year, she has made a significant impact, recognised for her sharp insights, collaboration and results.”