Insurance Times rounds up the most significant appointments, departures and leadership changes from 5 to 9 January 2026
This week, Axa confirmed that its director for retail direct David Pearce had left the business after four years to re-join Aviva, taking up the role of commercial director at Aviva Zero.
He originally joined Aviva in 2005 as a claims handler and progressed to head of retail for new business trading before departing in 2022.
Meanwhile, AIG announced that chief executive Peter Zaffino will retire from the role by mid-2026, transitioning to executive chair as part of a planned leadership succession.
Following a search, AIG said Eric Andersen will join the business as president and chief executive-elect from 16 February 2026. Andersen joins from Aon, where he held several senior leadership roles over nearly three decades, including president of Aon and chief executive at Aon Benfield.
Elsewhere, HDI Global confirmed that its UK and Ireland chief executive Stephanie Ogden will leave the business at the end of January to join Munich Re.
Ogden will move to Munich Re Syndicate to drive long-term strategy, subject to regulatory approval.
Meanwhile, Allianz UK appointed Hailey Franklin to the newly created role of commercial director for Allianz Personal Broker.
Franklin joined Allianz more than 13 years ago and has held senior roles across pricing, underwriting and distribution.
Finally, industry veteran Dougie Barnett retired after more than two decades at Axa, bringing to a close a career spanning over 40 years in insurance.
Barnett joined Axa in 2001 and held several senior leadership roles, including director of commercial customer risk management and sustainability. He also represented the insurer across ABI programmes and government discussions, while leading major initiatives in loss prevention, sustainability and electric vehicle risk.
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.
No comments yet