British multinational life insurance, general and health insurance, and fund management services
Aviva is a leading Insurance, Wealth, and Retirement company based in the UK, with franchises in Ireland and Canada. Their purpose is to be with people today for a better tomorrow. They aim to provide support and solutions to individuals throughout their lives, helping them make the most of their presence while building a better future.
Aviva's strategy revolves around being a trusted partner for their customers' most significant life decisions. They aim to provide support and guidance in areas such as family protection, health, savings and investments, and retirement planning. They want to be there for their customers at every step of their journey.
Aviva also emphasizes sustainability in their business strategy. They are committed to acting on climate change, building a stronger and more resilient society, and running their operations as a sustainable business. They believe that by serving their customers well, they can create a lasting impact on the communities and societies they operate in.
Aviva has a long history, spanning over 325 years, of taking care of people. They are deeply invested in their customers, employees, communities, and the planet. They aim to serve their customers when it matters the most and help them navigate through life's challenges.
Aviva plc has a rich and complex history that dates back to the 17th century. The company has gone through numerous mergers, acquisitions, and name changes over the years, shaping it into the multinational insurance giant it is today.
The origins of Aviva can be traced back to the establishment of the Hand in Hand Fire & Life Insurance Society in London in 1696. This society was one of the earliest mutual insurance companies, providing coverage for fire and life risks. It operated for centuries before undergoing significant changes in the 20th century.
In 1797, Hand in Hand merged with the Amicable Society for a Perpetual Assurance Office, another mutual insurer. This merger created the Hand in Hand Fire and Life Insurance Society, which continued to operate under this name for many years.
Fast forward to the late 1990s, the insurance industry was experiencing a wave of consolidation and mergers. In 1998, two prominent insurance companies, Commercial Union and General Accident, merged to form CGU plc. This merger created one of the largest insurance companies in the United Kingdom at the time.
In February 2000, CGU plc further expanded its operations through the merger with Norwich Union, another long-established insurance company. The merged entity adopted the name CGNU plc, combining elements from both CGU and Norwich Union. CGNU became one of the leading insurance companies in the UK and had a strong international presence.
However, in April 2002, CGNU decided to change its name to Aviva plc. The new name was an invented palindrome word derived from "viva," which means 'alive' in Latin. Aviva was chosen to be a short, memorable, and globally recognizable name. Despite the name change, the Norwich Union brand was retained for the company's UK long-term savings and general insurance business.
Under the Aviva name, the company underwent a series of strategic moves and acquisitions to expand its operations globally. In 2002, Aviva acquired Abeille Vie, a French life insurance company, to strengthen its presence in the European market.
Aviva's international expansion continued with the acquisition of the RAC plc breakdown recovery operation in March 2005. This move added a new dimension to Aviva's offerings and allowed the company to provide a broader range of services to its customers.
In July 2006, Aviva made a significant move into the United States by acquiring AmerUs Group, a financial services company based in Des Moines, Iowa. This acquisition expanded Aviva's presence in the US market and provided access to a new customer base.
Over the years, Aviva has made several divestments and strategic decisions to streamline its operations and focus on core businesses. It sold its Australian wealth management business, Navigator, to National Australia Bank in 2009. In 2012, Aviva announced plans to sell or close 16 non-core businesses as part of a reorganization effort to simplify its activities and improve shareholder returns.
Aviva has also undergone leadership changes throughout its history. Notable CEOs include Richard Harvey, Andrew Moss, Mark Wilson, and Amanda Blanc. The company has adapted to changing market dynamics and has pursued a customer-centric approach to insurance and financial services.
Today, Aviva is a global insurance leader with a significant presence in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and various growth markets. It serves millions of customers worldwide, offering a wide range of insurance products, pensions, and investment solutions. Aviva continues to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of its customers in an ever-changing insurance landscape.
Aviva's mission is to believe that the best is still to come. The company is dedicated to delivering superior value and service to its customers, prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of its people, and contributing positively to society. Aviva aims to go beyond the present and continuously imagine and innovate for the future.
The provided statements convey Aviva's forward-thinking mindset and its commitment to long-term success. Aviva believes in the potential for growth and improvement, not only for its customers but also for its employees and society as a whole. The company aims to be at the forefront of innovation, setting new benchmarks and challenging conventional norms.
Aviva's vision is to be a pioneering and transformative force in the insurance industry. The company strives to set new standards for itself and its competitors by being brave and passionate in its pursuit of excellence. Aviva embraces both ambition and humility, recognizing that continuous improvement and learning are essential to drive positive change.
Aviva's emphasis on bravery and passion indicates its dedication to taking calculated risks and pushing boundaries. The company seeks to exceed expectations and drive positive change within the insurance industry. At the same time, Aviva recognizes the importance of humility, understanding that success requires constant learning, adaptability, and an open mindset.
Aviva offers a wide range of products and services to meet the insurance and financial needs of individuals, businesses, and organizations. With a focus on providing comprehensive coverage and financial solutions, Aviva aims to protect its customers against various risks and help them achieve their long-term goals. Here are some of the key products and services offered by Aviva:
