Garrad set to become Aviva Canada CEO

Sept. 11, 2023 — TRACY GARRAD is set to become the new CEO of Aviva Canada next month, with current roleholder Jason Storah departing to head up the international insurer’s operations in the U.K. and Ireland.

Ms. Garrad will join Aviva’s Markham, Ont.-based Canadian operations on Oct. 16. She was most recently CEO of the U.K. healthcare business for rival insurer Axa, a position she held for more than four years until last April. Prior to that, Ms. Garrad was CEO of the Channel Islands and Isle of Man for banking giant HSBC. She also led HSBC’s First Direct banking operation in the U.K.

The changes were sparked by the departure of Aviva’s former CEO for the U.K. and Ireland, Adam Winslow, who will take over the CEO role at British insurer Direct Line Insurance Group in the new year.

Mr. Storah has been CEO of Aviva Canada for four years.

During his watch, the operation’s premiums grew 34% and it became the third-largest insurer in Canada.

He has almost 20 years of experience with Aviva in various roles. Before becoming CEO of Aviva Canada, he served as the company’s chief distribution officer, overseeing broker distribution, partnerships and the insurer’s direct insurance business and marketing.

Mr. Storah took over the Aviva Canada CEO role in 2019 from Colm Holmes, who was also called by the parent company to head up operations overseas.

Mr. Holmes succeeded Greg Somerville, who had held the role since Aviva’s parent company tapped former Aviva Canada CEO Maurice Tulloch in 2013 to head up its U.K. and later group-wide operations.

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