Assistant Corporate Secretary
About the job
- At least 7 years of corporate governance, corporate secretarial, or related legal experience gained in-house or within private practice.
- A Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Senior Law Clerk designation or experienced governance professionals will also be considered.
- Strong stakeholder management and engagement experience at all levels, particularly with Boards of Directors, Executives, and Senior Management.
- Strong knowledge of corporate governance principles and regulatory requirements.
- Strong experience using Board portal technology such as Diligent.
- Demonstrated experience preparing minutes, resolutions, and other governance documents with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and experience handling confidential and sensitive information.
- Flexibility to work outside regular business hours when required to support Board of Directors and Board Committee meetings and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
- Ability to lead and coach more junior members of a team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to adopt new technologies, including artificial intelligence-enabled tools, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of governance processes.
- Support the planning, coordination, and execution of Board of Directors and Board Committee meetings, including agendas, meeting materials, resolutions, and minutes.
- Partner with senior leaders, executives, and external stakeholders to ensure the timely preparation and delivery of governance materials.
- Maintain Board governance processes and help ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, legal, and corporate requirements.
- Manage Board and Corporate records, documentation, and governance systems, including Diligent and SharePoint.
- Support director onboarding, orientation, education, and ongoing governance activities to help ensure directors effectively discharge their statutory duties.
- Assist with governance approvals and sign-offs for transactions requiring Board or Group authorization.
- Lead the governance and administration of Boards for designated subsidiaries, acting as their Corporate Secretary.
- Manage and lead individual corporate governance initiatives for the team.
- Collaborate with business partners to support corporate governance, delegated authority, and compliance processes.
- Provide advice to the business, Executive Team, and Boards on the implications of corporate governance matters.
- Lead the research and analysis of emerging or complex corporate governance issues and prepare related materials and recommendations for the business and relevant Boards.
- Oversee corporate filings, licensing activities, and regulatory correspondence.
- Assist with corporate transactions, reorganizations, and other legal and governance initiatives, including special projects.
- Experience in subsidiary governance.
- Experience supporting a federally regulated financial institution or insurance organization.
- Knowledge of the Insurance Companies Act, OSFI Corporate Governance Guidelines, and Board governance best practices.
- Previous people leadership experience.
About the company
Aviva is a financial services group that provides savings, retirement, and insurance products to individuals, families, and businesses mainly in the UK, Canada, and Ireland. Its products help people manage long-term financial security through life insurance, pensions, and investment options. The company earns money from insurance premiums, investment income, and fees for asset management, and its offerings span protections, savings accounts, retirement plans, and investment services. Aviva differentiates itself by integrating a strong focus on sustainability and responsible investing (such as its Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme and venture capital investments in emerging tech) and by prioritizing diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Its goal is to help clients secure their financial futures while growing its business through a broad, diversified portfolio of financial products and services.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Founded
1990
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Direct Line PCW launch on September 3, 2026 broadens home-insurance distribution immediately.
- Aviva launched MGA hybrid fronting on September 7, 2026, chasing faster specialty growth.
- DisasterCare’s May 1, 2026 acquisition strengthens claims handling and speeds property recovery.
What critics are saying
- Direct Line integration still targets 2,300 role reductions through 2028, risking execution strain.
- FCA scrutiny over Litani’s mini-tender remains active after Reuters’ July 15, 2026 report.
- Canadian business-interruption and claims litigation can resurface, forcing reserves and management distraction.
What makes Aviva unique
- Aviva owns Direct Line, combining direct, broker, and PCW distribution across 2026.
- Aviva Premier targets larger mid-market risks, expanding beyond commoditized personal lines.
- Aviva’s 100% control of India simplifies strategy and capital allocation after July 2026.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Performance Bonus
Paid Vacation
Hybrid Work Options
Parental Leave
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
-12%1 year growth
-12%2 year growth
-12%Aviva has appointed pension veteran Mark Thompson as chair of its UK Life and Pensions Independent Governance Committee. The move puts governance in focus for the insurer, whose shares last closed at £6.87. The stock is up 3.87% over 90 days and 8.18% in total shareholder return over one year. It fell 2.80% over 30 days and is up 0.59% this year. One popular valuation narrative puts fair value at about £6.93, making the shares roughly 1% undervalued. A separate model suggests £13.15. The price-to-earnings ratio of 36.8 is well above the peer average of 22.4. Risks include reliance on the mature UK market and the Direct Line integration.
Aviva has appointed Mark Thompson as chair of its UK Life and Pensions Independent Governance Committee. The committee oversees the value for money and governance of Aviva's workplace pensions for UK customers. Thompson has held senior roles across the UK retirement sector, with experience in investment and pension governance. Aviva is a £20.6b insurer offering insurance, retirement and wealth products in the UK, Ireland, Canada, India, and China. Workplace pensions and retirement savings are central to its growth story, so oversight of those schemes matters to investors. Heavy UK exposure and rising regulatory costs remain key risks, along with competition from insurers such as Legal & General and Phoenix.
Aviva names GCS MD and CEO for Syndicates. * * By Scott McGee * @SKPMcGee * 12 Oct 2026 * Indicative reading time: 1 minute Aviva has appointed Johan Slabbert as managing director of its Global Corporate & Specialty business, as well as CEO of its Syndicates business. Subject to regulatory approval, Slabbert will join Aviva from 1 December 2026, reporting to Jason Storah, Aviva's CEO of UK and Ireland General Insurance. He will lead Aviva's GCS business, overseeing Show password You may also like.
Aviva launches U.S. Specialty Insurance business, starting with commercial property. The new business marks the insurer's expansion into the U.S. specialty insurance market, with commercial property underwriting scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. Published on October 8, 2026 Aviva has launched Aviva Specialty, a wholly owned U.S. specialty insurance platform headquartered in New York City. The new business marks the insurer's expansion into the U.S. specialty insurance market, with commercial property underwriting scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. Aviva Specialty will serve open-market brokers and partner with program administrators. The platform combines specialty underwriting expertise, technology, and Aviva's financial resources. Commercial property leads initial underwriting. Aviva Specialty will initially focus on commercial property risks. However, the company has outlined plans to expand into additional lines, including cyber, specialty, and financial lines, and specialty casualty. The business also plans to develop delegated authority and program business capabilities. Aviva Specialty operates as a wholly owned surplus lines carrier with capabilities to serve risks nationwide. It will write business on Aviva Insurance Limited paper, giving brokers, clients, and program partners access to the insurer's underwriting expertise and financial resources. As of September 2026, Aviva Insurance Limited held an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best. Partnership model and technology platform. Aviva Specialty has adopted a partnership-led operating model that combines underwriting discipline, responsive decision-making, and modern technology. The company designed the platform to operate with the flexibility of a specialty insurance startup while drawing on Aviva's established global capabilities. Mike Karmilowicz, president of Aviva Specialty, said the business combines an experienced specialty insurance team with a platform built specifically for the U.S. market. According to Karmilowicz, the company is providing its underwriting teams with technology and operational flexibility to support brokers, clients, and program partners. The platform emphasizes responsive underwriting, service, and consistent execution across its distribution partnerships. Aviva outlines U.S. Specialty strategy. The launch represents the first stage of Aviva's broader U.S. specialty insurance strategy. The company plans to build its presence through selected insurance classes and partnerships that align with its underwriting expertise, capital resources, and long-term business approach. Jason Storah, CEO of UK & Ireland General Insurance at Aviva, described the launch as an important step in the company's growth strategy. Storah said Aviva sees opportunities to expand its specialty insurance operations in the U.S. as it continues developing its global specialty capabilities. He also emphasized the company's long-term approach to the market and its commitment to establishing relationships with specialty insurance partners. Aviva Specialty Insurance Services US Inc. operates under the name Aviva Specialty Insurance Agency Inc. in California and Florida. The company's California license number is 6020053. Get the latest insurance market updates and discover exclusive program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com. Are you a retail Agent Looking for a Quote? Coverage, Keyword, or Company
Aviva launches U.S. Specialty Insurance business. Published: 07 Oct 2026 Aviva today announced the launch of Aviva Specialty, its wholly owned U.S. specialty insurance platform headquartered in New York City, marking Aviva's expansion into the U.S. specialty insurance market.[[1]] Aviva Specialty will begin underwriting commercial property risks in the fourth quarter of 2026, serving open market brokerage, and partnering with leading program administrators. The business was built around a partnership-led model designed to combine disciplined underwriting, responsive decision-making, and modern technology with the financial strength and global capabilities of Aviva. The platform will initially focus on commercial property, with a roadmap to expand into additional lines of business including cyber, specialty & financial lines as well as specialty casualty. Aviva Specialty will write on Aviva Insurance Limited paper, providing brokers, clients, and program partners with access to Aviva's financial strength and underwriting expertise. The new business is designed to bring partners the best of both worlds: the agility and entrepreneurial mindset of a specialty insurance start-up, backed by the capabilities and resources of a leading global insurer. Mike Karmilowicz, president of Aviva Specialty, said: "What differentiates Aviva Specialty is the combination of a seasoned specialty insurance team and the agility of a purpose-built platform. We are building the business from the ground up for today's market, giving our teams the tools and flexibility to deliver responsive underwriting, exceptional service and consistent execution for brokers, clients and program partners." The launch represents the first stage of Aviva's U.S. specialty strategy. The company intends to build its presence deliberately, focusing on classes and partnerships where Aviva's underwriting expertise, capital strength, and long-term approach can create meaningful value. Jason Storah, CEO, UK & Ireland General Insurance, Aviva, said: "The launch of Aviva Specialty represents an important step in Aviva's growth strategy. As we continue to expand our global specialty capabilities, the U.S. is a market where we see significant opportunities to grow and create value. We are entering the market with a long-term perspective and a commitment to being a trusted specialty insurance partner." Aviva Specialty operates as a wholly owned surplus lines carrier and has capabilities to serve risk nationwide. Footnotes: [1.] [Aviva Specialty Insurance Services US, Inc., dba Aviva Specialty Insurance Agency Inc. in CA and FL; CA Lic. No. 6020053 US enquiries. Liz Harish UK enquiries Heleana Greeves About Aviva Specialty: Aviva Specialty is a US specialty insurance platform, wholly owned by Aviva and headquartered in New York City. Built to serve the US commercial insurance market, Aviva Specialty combines experienced specialty insurance leadership with a modern, technology-enabled operating platform and the financial strength of Aviva Insurance Ltd. (A+ by AM Best, as of September 2026). The company will begin underwriting commercial property business in Q4 2026, with plans to expand into additional specialty lines and delegated authority and program business capabilities. For more information, visit https://specialty.aviva.com Notes to editors: * Aviva plc is the UK's only diversified insurer and Aviva plc operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. Aviva plc also have international investments in India and China. * Aviva plc help its 25.3 million customers make the most out of life, plan for the future, and have the confidence that if things go wrong Aviva plc'll be there to put it right. * Aviva plc has been taking care of people for more than 325 years, in line with its purpose of being 'with you today, for a better tomorrow'. In 2025, Aviva plc paid £31.9 billion in claims and benefits to its customers. * Aviva is a Living Wage, Living Pension and Living Hours employer and provides market-leading benefits for its people, including flexible working, paid carers leave and equal parental leave. Find out more at www.aviva.com/about-Aviva plc/its-people/ * As at 30 June 2026, total Group assets under management at Aviva Group were £479 billion and its estimated Solvency II shareholder capital surplus was £6.8 billion. Its shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and Aviva plc is a member of the FTSE 100 index. * For more details on what Aviva plc do, its business and how Aviva plc help its customers, visit www.aviva.com/about-Aviva plc * The Aviva newsroom at www.aviva.com/newsroom includes links to its spokespeople images, podcasts, research reports and its news release archive. Sign up to get the latest news from Aviva by email. * You can follow Aviva plc on: * X: www.x.com/avivaplc * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/aviva-plc * Instagram: www.instagram.com/avivaplc/ * For the latest corporate films from around its business, subscribe to its YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/aviva