Aviva has appointed Simon Ellis as its new workplace commercial director, taking over from Emma Douglas who previous led the company’s workplace pensions business.
Douglas is staying with Aviva, taking on the new role of wealth policy director within its UK Insurance, Wealth & Retirement business.
In this new role Douglas will take on a wider external remit, working more closely with industry and government bodies in helping to shape pension policy. She will continue to report to Michele Golunska, managing director of Wealth and Advice.
Douglas joined Aviva in 2021 as director of workplace savings and retirement with responsibility for leading its workplace pensions business. Later that same year, she was also appointed as the chair of the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA).
Ellis has been with Aviva for over 20 years working in different business areas, most recently as the head of business development within the workplace pensions team. In his new role as workplace commercial director, he will also report to Golunska.
Golunska says: “Under [Douglas’s] leadership, our workplace pensions business has gone from strength to strength and is number one in the market today.
“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. This new role reflects the changing policy landscape and complements Douglas’s position as PLSA Chair.
“Ellis 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.”
Douglas says: “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.”
Ellis adds: “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 starts his new role on 1 August, with Douglas starting on 1 September this year.