Maso joins Aviva as France CEO

The appointment, subject to regulatory approval, will see Mr Maso reporting to Aviva Europe chief executive Igal Mayer.

Mr Maso has also been appointed to the role of underwriting, pricing and product director for Aviva Europe, and he will join the Aviva Europe executive committee.

Mr Maso, who will join Aviva on 1 July, was Axa Insurance CEO from 2008 to 2010, which overlapped with Mr Mayer's time as CEO of Aviva's UK general insurance operation. Mr Maso was was previously finance director of Axa’s UK business. He also held senior roles for Axa Group including leading its corporate finance and risk management division.

Andrew Moss, group chief executive of Aviva, said: “'I am delighted that Aviva has attracted someone of Philippe’s experience and I am confident that he will be a strong addition to our European team under Igal’s leadership.”

Mr Mayer, CEO of Aviva Europe and chairman of Aviva France, said: “I’m delighted that Philippe has agreed to join Aviva as CEO of Aviva France and also to lead our underwriting, pricing and product team across Europe. Philippe has an excellent track record of achievement in European insurance and will be a strong addition to our leadership team.

“His expertise and experience will enable him to lead our business in France while ensuring that we develop sophisticated underwriting, pricing and product innovation to allow our business to grow and meet our customers’ needs across Europe.’’

Mr Maso said: “I am looking forward to joining Aviva and Igal’s European leadership team. I have admired Aviva’s progress for many years so it is exciting to now have the opportunity to help drive the development of both our French and European businesses and continue to offer innovative solutions to our three million customers in France.”

After an orderly transition, Nicolas Schimel who has acted as CEO of Aviva France during the interim period, will dedicate himself fully to his position as chairman and CEO of UFF, the independent adviser company which is listed in Paris and majority owned by Aviva France.