25th Apr 2007 11:59
Aviva PLC25 April 2007 News release 25 April 2007 TIDJANE THIAM TO JOIN AVIVA BOARD Aviva plc ("Aviva") announces that Tidjane Thiam has been appointed to the Avivaboard with effect from 1 May 2007 and becomes group executive director, AvivaEurope. Tidjane will have board level responsibility for all of Aviva's Europeanbusinesses outside the UK, which together account for 39 per cent of total groupsales. Aviva's European portfolio includes mature businesses in the developedmarkets of France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain and thefast-growing emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe, including Aviva'snewest business in Russia. Tidjane joined Aviva in November 2002 as group strategy and developmentdirector, making an important contribution to the development of Aviva's groupstrategy, particularly in the US and Asia. He was appointed to head up Aviva'sEuropean operations in January 2006. Before joining Aviva, Tidjane was a partner in McKinsey, based in Paris, wherehe was one of the leaders of the financial institutions practice in Europe.Prior to that, Tidjane's career includes five years in his home country of IvoryCoast, where he was the chief executive officer of the National Bureau forTechnical Studies and Development (BNETD), responsible for strategic planning,co-ordination of public investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation.He subsequently became chairman of BNETD and minister of planning anddevelopment. In recognition of this work, Tidjane was named a member of theDavos World Economic Forum's annual 1999 Dream Cabinet. Tidjane was also a member of the Commission for Africa, established in 2004 byUK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to take an independent look at the challengesfacing the continent and to make recommendations for the future. Lord Sharman of Redlynch, Aviva's chairman said: "I am pleased to welcomeTidjane to the Aviva board. In his five years with the group, Tidjane hasplayed an important role in the development of our European portfolio,particularly in the fast-developing markets of Central and Eastern Europe. Avivais now the largest writer of life and pensions business in Europe and Tidjane'sextensive international experience will ensure that we make the most of thisgrowth opportunity. His fresh perspective and international thinking will makean important contribution to our board." The appointment is subject to regulatory approval. - ends - Enquiries: MediaHayley Stimpson, director of external affairs +44 (0)20 7662 7544Sue Winston, head of group media relations +44 (0)20 7662 8221Vanessa Rhodes, group media relations manager +44 (0)20 7662 2482James Murgatroyd/Ed Simpkins, Finsbury +44 (0)207 251 3801 AnalystsCharles Barrows, investor relations director +44 (0)20 7662 8115Jessie Burrows, head of investor relations +44 (0)20 7662 2111 Notes to editors: • A photograph and biography of Tidjane Thiam can be downloaded from the Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media • Aviva is the leading provider of life and pensions to Europe with substantial positions in other markets around the world, making it the world's fifth largest insurance group based on gross worldwide premiums at 31 December 2005. • Aviva's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide total sales of £41.5 billion and assets under management of £364 billion at 31 December 2006. • The Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media includes images, company and product information and a news release archive. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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