Aviva Appoints Chris Littlefield to U.S. CEO Post

Christopher J. Littlefield has been named CEO of Aviva USA (Des Moines, more than $42.4 billion in assets), part of Aviva plc, effective immediately. Littlefield has served as Aviva USA's chief operating officer and led the company's operational business units including insurance administration, information technology, marketing/brand, corporate affairs, the corporate program office, legal, compliance, and facilities. He will report to Thomas C. Godlasky, CEO for Aviva North America, who leads both the U.S. Life and Annuity and Canadian Property and Casualty businesses.

"Since joining Aviva, Chris has displayed outstanding leadership and dedication," Godlasky said in a press release. "He was a critical member of the team that managed the acquisition of AmerUs by Aviva plc in 2006 and ensured its smooth transition. In addition, he has helped guide Aviva North America's Life and Annuity business to an industry leadership position during historically challenging market conditions. I'm confident that Chris will lead the U.S. team to further success in serving our distribution partners and customers."

Littlefield joined AmerUs Group in January 2006 as EVP-general counsel and secretary. He was promoted to Aviva USA chief operating officer in February 2008. Prior to that, Littlefield was with The Dial Corp., where he held a number of management positions since 1998.

Katherine Burger is Editorial Director of Bank Systems & Technology and Insurance & Technology, members of UBM TechWeb's InformationWeek Financial Services. She assumed leadership of Bank Systems & Technology in 2003 and of Insurance & Technology in 1991. In addition to ... View Full Bio