Market moves: Aviva moves fuel 
the rumour mill

Like a moth to a flame, broker attention this month has been grabbed by Aviva. The decision of Mark Hodges to move to Towergate has set the rumour mill into overdrive as to why exactly he took the leap. Meanwhile his replacement as Aviva’s chief executive officer for the UK, Trevor Matthews, has created a sea of quizzical faces in insurance. Mr Matthews’ CV may be heavy on life and pensions experience but the jury remains out on his general insurance expertise. Other moves across the market have centred on energy issues and all things legal. Barely a day goes by without energy topics making the general news agenda and, within the industry, insurers and brokers alike have been vocal in their ambitious expansion plans – clearly an area to monitor over the next few months. Over at AJ Gallagher steps are now being taken to realign the business and roles of responsibility following the acquisition of Heath Lambert, making it another tale that is yet to run its course.

Without a doubt the mover and shaker award for the month has to go to Mark Hodges (pictured above). Fresh from having been the first person to spot initial signs of commercial market hardening Mr Hodges, formerly of Aviva, shocked the market again by jumping ship to Towergate as group chief executive. As of 1 October he will be the new Andy Homer who is staying with the consolidator to help it consolidate further in an acquisitions-focused non-executive role. Mr Hodges’ departure after only 17