Aviva names Chris Cochrane as next group CIO for 2026

Aviva has appointed Chris Cochrane as its next Group Chief Information Officer. The appointment is expected to take effect in summer 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

Cochrane is currently Group Chief Information Technology Officer at M&G. He will succeed John Cummings, who is retiring. Cummings will remain in post until Cochrane joins.

The appointment puts group technology leadership at one of the UK's largest insurers in the hands of an executive with experience in telecoms and financial services. Aviva operates in the UK, Ireland and Canada, and has international investments in India and China.

Amanda Blanc, Aviva's Group Chief Executive Officer, called it a significant hire as the group expands across its core markets and business lines. "This is a very important appointment for Aviva. Chris is a seasoned, highly experienced CIO who brings a wealth of expertise to the company as we continue to grow and deliver for our customers and for our investors. I very much look forward to working with him".

"I would like to thank John Cummings for all of his service to Aviva and wish him a very happy, and well-deserved, retirement," Blanc said.

Leadership background

Before joining M&G, Cochrane held senior technology roles at BT, including CIO of BT Global Services and CIO of Openreach Service Delivery. Aviva has not set out specific priorities for the role, beyond describing it as a key appointment within the group's leadership team.

The appointment remains subject to approval by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority.

Cochrane said he was joining at a time of strong performance and pointed to Aviva's position across several markets. "Aviva is a company I admire hugely, and one which is performing strongly. I am excited to be joining Amanda and her colleagues and playing my part in helping continue to drive the momentum which the business has across the insurance, wealth and retirement sectors," he said.

Group scale

Aviva positions itself as the UK's leading diversified insurer, with 25.2 million customers. It reported paying £29.3 billion in claims and benefits during 2024.

The group also has a substantial asset management business. It reported total group assets under management of £419 billion as at 30 June 2025, and an estimated Solvency II shareholder capital surplus of £7.0 billion as at 30 September 2025.

The appointment comes as large financial services firms continue to reshape senior technology leadership roles. Insurers and asset managers have been investing in platforms, data and security, while also dealing with legacy systems and heightened scrutiny from regulators and customers on resilience and service continuity.

Aviva said Cummings will remain in position until Cochrane starts, providing continuity through the summer handover period.

Aviva's shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and it is a member of the FTSE 100 index. The group has been operating for more than 325 years.