Aviva has reshuffled two senior reward roles just days after the government unveiled a landmark pensions review.
The company has created a new wealth policy director role for Emma Douglas in its UK Insurance, Wealth & Retirement (IWR) business.
In her new role, Douglas will take on a wider external remit, which will enable her to work more closely with industry and government to help shape pension policy. She will continue to report to Michele Golunska, managing director of wealth and advice.
Simon Ellis has been appointed workplace commercial director to lead the workplace pensions business, taking over from Douglas.
Critical focus on savings
Golunska said: “Over the last year, the future of pension savings and the role of investments have become an increasingly critical focus for government and the regulators.
“We have a responsibility to the industry and to our customers to ensure we play an active role in helping to shape pension policy. Emma’s new role reflects the changing policy landscape and complements her position as chair of the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA).”
Douglas said: “This is a pivotal moment for pensions savers, particularly with a newly elected government in place. I’m looking forward to playing a part in helping to inform pension policy for our customers and all savers.”
Douglas joined Aviva in 2021 as director of workplace savings and retirement to lead its workplace pensions, which has more than 4 million customers/members and manages £81 billion assets.
Ellis has worked for Aviva for more than 20 years, most recently in the role of head of business development in the workplace pensions team. He will also report to Michele Golunska.
Golunska said: “Simon has been integral to the success of our workplace pensions business, and I am delighted that he will now lead the team. He not only brings a great deal of workplace pensions experience but also a passion for growing this important part of our wider Wealth business.”
Ellis said: “I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead our workplace pensions business. This is an incredible team which is committed to continually delivering and innovating for our clients, advisers, and customers.”
Ellis begins his new role on 1 August and Douglas will start her new role on 1 September this year.
