Aviva USA, part of Aviva plc, the world’s fifth largest insurance group, today announced the appointment of Christopher J Littlefield, as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Aviva USA is a leading provider of fixed indexed annuity and life insurance products in the US.
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 US Life and Annuity and Canadian Property and Casualty businesses.
“I am very proud to make this appointment and pleased that Chris will lead Aviva’s US Life and Annuity businesses. Chris’ overall talent, experience and passion for excellence made him the right person for this CEO position,” said Godlasky. “Since joining Aviva, Chris has displayed outstanding leadership and dedication. 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 US team to further success in serving our distribution partners and customers.”
Chris Littlefield expressed enthusiasm about the appointment. “I’m very excited to have this opportunity. Aviva is a tremendous and growing company with great resources, particularly its employees, distribution partners and customers. I look forward to continuing to build upon our past successes and make Aviva USA’s Life and Annuity businesses the envy of the industry.”
Littlefield joined AmerUs Group in January 2006 as executive vice president – general counsel and secretary. He was promoted to Aviva USA chief operating officer in February 2008.
Prior to that, Littlefield was with The Dial Corporation in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he held a number of management positions since 1998, including senior vice president; general counsel and secretary. He also served as senior vice president and general manager of one of The Dial Corporation’s major business divisions. Before then, Littlefield was an attorney with Snell & Wilmer LLP, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Littlefield graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Arizona. He earned a juris doctor, with high distinction, from The University of Iowa. He is a member of the board of trustees of Hospice of Central Iowa Foundation. In his new role, he will continue to be based at the US operations headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa.
