She will be responsible for overseeing trading across the entire Northern Ireland and Scotland region, leading a team of more than 50 underwriters based at Aviva’s offices in Glasgow and Belfast. 

Thomson will be splitting her time between the countries as part of her role, she will report to Aviva’s head of trading for their north region, Patrick Flannery. It comes as the insurer continues to invest in its regional trading model and broker relationships through the launch of Aviva Premier, a proposition aimed at supporting brokers serving larger mid-market clients.

She will succeed Maureen Edgar following her retirement after leading the region for the past seven years. Thomson joined Aviva in 2005 and held a range of customer service, sales and distribution roles.

She said: “I’m proud to take on the role of branch manager as we strengthen our support of brokers and clients across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Having worked closely with brokers across the region for many years, I know the strength of this market and the dedication of its broking community, and I’m ambitious for what we can achieve together.

“I’m looking forward to building on our existing partnerships and I’m equally eager to form new ones, supporting brokers in the important role they play for businesses and communities across this region.”

Michael Yabantu, managing director, mid-market, at Aviva, said: “Her ambition for the region, combined with her extensive industry experience and deep understanding of the local market, makes her ideally placed to lead the team through its next phase of growth. She has built strong relationships with brokers across the region and brings insight, expertise and the customer focus needed to further strengthen our proposition and deliver even better outcomes for our brokers and customers.

“I would also like to thank Edgar for her outstanding leadership and contribution over the past seven years and wish her every happiness in her retirement. She leaves the branch in a strong position, having built a talented team and a solid foundation for continued success.”