Aviva Investors, the £355 billion global asset management business of Aviva plc, announced today the appointment of Mark Versey as Chief Executive. Aviva stressed Versey’s strong background in sustainable investing in its statements welcoming him to his new role.

Amanda Blanc, Aviva Group Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Mark is the leader that Aviva Investors needs to take it forward. Aviva Investors is a core part of Aviva and its investment capabilities are critical to our ambition to be the UK’s leading insurer. I have been impressed with Mark’s determination to strengthen Aviva Investors, deliver excellent investment performance and extend our leadership in responsible investing.”

Versey has been with Aviva for nearly seven years, most recently serving as Chief Investment Officer, Real Assets, responsible for leading and developing the business which includes Infrastructure, Real Estate and private debt markets. He sits on the Investment Committee of the Investment Association and chairs the Sustainability and Responsible Investment Committee. Versey joined Aviva in 2014 from his position of Chief Investment Officer of Friends Life Group, now part of Aviva Group, and he also served as Chief Investment Officer at AXA UK.

In his comments accompanying the announcement of his new appointment, Versey highlighted the centrality of sustainable investing to Aviva Investors’ offerings to clients. Versey said:

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead Aviva Investors through its next phase of growth. The business has strong capabilities in fixed income, credit, equities, multi-asset and real assets, as well as being a leader in responsible investment. My overriding priority will be to provide our customers with strong and consistent investment performance to deliver the outcomes they are looking for, including meeting net zero emission targets through sustainable investments. We have a significant opportunity at Aviva Investors to grow the business organically and help Aviva meet its ambitions in the UK.”