Aviva has promoted Sarah Layden to managing director of its equity release unit.
She moves from her post as commercial and distribution director for Aviva’s Direct Wealth business, having led this unit on an interim basis covering parental leave.
The financial services group adds that Layden has held a number of senior commercial leadership positions in the business since joining the company over 20 years ago.
The move, which took place in 21 July, follows the group’s previous equity release managing director, Matt McGill’s appointment to managing director of Aviva Health in April.
Layden will report to Aviva Retirement Solutions managing director Dave Elliot.
Elliot says that Layden “has experienced a rich and varied career across Aviva over the last 23 years”.
Layden adds that the group’s equity release business “has a critical role to play in helping customers holistically plan for their retirement”.
The group said sales in its retirement division came in at £1.8bn in the period, up 4%, driven by higher volumes in individual annuities and equity release revenues.
