Aviva appoints Mark Wilson as chief executive Mr Wilson will take over the top job at Aviva on January 1, the insurer said in a statement. He succeeds Andrew Moss, who quit in May amid shareholder discontent over the company's weak share price performance. John McFarlane, Aviva's chairman, will relinquish his executive powers when Mr Wilson comes on board. Since Mr Moss left Aviva, Mr McFarlane has been at the helm and has pledged to exit 16 businesses that together tie up £6bn of capital as the insurer seeks to build up reserves depleted by the European sovereign debt crisis. Commenting on the appointment of a new chief executive, Mr McFarlane said: "Mark has operated in both developed and emerging markets. At AIA, Mark faced similar challenges to Aviva today. He navigated the company through the global financial crisis, narrowed the focus of the company, sold non-core businesses, turned round non-performing segments, and reduced risks and costs. From that foundation he implemented a successful revenue growth strategy. Mr Wilson added that it was a "privilege" to lead Aviva. "It is acknowledged that over recent years the company has not performed to its potential," he said. The chairman, John McFarlane, and the board have articulated the first stage of the strategy that addresses the immediate issues and I look forward to continue working closely with the Board on these priorities. "My first task will be to listen to Aviva's stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, staff and regulators and ascertain the key concerns and opportunities that face the business," he added.