Aviva, a major player in life insurance and long-term savings, asset management and non-life insurance, announces the appointment of four new general agents to its network.
Aviva, a major player in life insurance and long-term savings, asset management and non-life insurance, announces the appointment of four new general agents to its network. After an 18-week induction period alternating hands-on work and training, organised by Aviva and certified by the French professional insurance training institute (IFPASS), the new Aviva agents started working at their respective branches on 3 July 2009:
- Eric Coudert, Le Havre (Seine Maritime),
- Damien Lamorinière, Le Havre (Seine Maritime),
- Pierre-Alcé Lejeune, Bar-sur-Seine and Vendeuvre-sur-Barse (Aube),
- Merry Zimmer, La Roche-sur-Yon and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (Vendée).
Recruitment of general agents at Aviva has been on the rise since 2002
Since 2002, Aviva has been implementing a highly active recruitment policy for general agents. In fact, Aviva is the only company in the market to be significantly increasing its number of agents (812 in 2003, 850 in 2005, 875 in 2007). The ideal candidate is a man or woman aged between 30 and 50 with at least two years’ higher education and a solid business background. However, academic qualifications are not the most important factor: a relevant career path and sales experience are real assets. It is also very important for the candidate to be well established locally: "being from the area" and understanding the specific character of a region facilitates relations with future customers.
IFPASS-certified training that combines theoretical and on-the-job components
In view of its ongoing recruitment drive, the increasing specialisation of the insurance sector and different approaches to managing branches, Aviva has designed a training programme adapted to this new context. The training programme allows agents to continue to perform effectively whilst acquiring new skills. As soon as they are recruited they undergo thorough introductory training, complemented by a second phase of training that offers the opportunity to specialise. Throughout their careers, Aviva’s regional managers are on hand to guide agents and train them in product developments and new technologies.
The training programme for new general agents lasts 18 weeks. It is based on alternating training, combining theoretical elements with onsite experience in branches. Candidates’ knowledge is tested on an ongoing basis throughout the course.
Assessment is carried out by the training team. Successful trainees are awarded a diploma certified by Aviva Assurances and IFPASS. For 2 years after taking up their posts, general agents follow a complementary training programme intended to build on aspects of the profession in which they have acquired a basic grounding. This gives them the necessary independence, particularly for the delegation of powers.
The “Good Advice” approach, a key element for Aviva general agents
In France, long-term customer satisfaction is a key lever for growth. Aviva has invested heavily in this area and continues to do so. The company is gradually rolling out its policy of personal guidance for customers, known as the “Good advice” approach, across all of its distribution networks. This approach consists of offering customers solutions and services that truly meet their expectations and regularly reviewing their circumstances to make changes to policies if necessary. The general agents are responsible for ensuring that this approach is applied properly.
Eric Coudert, appointed Aviva general agent for Le Havre (Seine Maritime)
Eric has a solid background in the banking sector and a good head for business. He is now keen to develop the client portfolio of Aviva’s Le Havre branch. He is 33 years old and will be working with Damien Lamorinière.
Damien Lamorinière, appointed Aviva general agent for Le Havre (Seine Maritime)
Having performed a sales role at BNP in Le Havre for five years, 32-year-old Damien Lamorinière has an excellent understanding of local customers as well as their saving, life insurance and general insurance needs. Armed with this expertise, he is ready to build the client portfolio of the Aviva office in Le Havre.
Pierre-Alcé Lejeune, appointed Aviva general agent for Bar-sur-Seine and Vendeuvre-sur-Barse (Aube)
Currently a sales representative within the Aviva network, Pierre-Alcé Lejeune, aged 26, is teaming up with his father, Jean-Marie Lejeune, to develop the client portfolios of the Aviva branches in Bar-sur-Seine and Vendeuvre.
Merry Zimmer, appointed Aviva general agent for La Roche-sur-Yon and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (Vendée)
With 15 years’ solid experience in asset management gained with AGF, Merry Zimmer has decided to share the benefits of her know-how and passion for customer service with the customers of Aviva’s Roche-sur-Yon and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie branches.
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Press contacts:
Karim Mokrane (Aviva)
Telephone: +33 (0)1 7662 7685
E-mail: karim_mokrane@aviva.fr
Philippe Tréguer (HDL Communication)
Telephone: +33 (0)1 5865 0073
E-mail: ptreguer@hdlcom.com
Notes to editors:
About Aviva
Aviva is the world’s fifth-largest insurance group*, with 50 million customers throughout Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region. Aviva’s principal business activities are: life insurance and long-term savings, fund management and general insurance. At 31 December 2008, Aviva had turnover of €64.3 billion, with €393 billion of assets under management. Aviva is the largest insurer in the UK and one of the main providers of life insurance and pension products in Europe. A selection of images and all the press releases from the Aviva Group are available in the press area www.aviva.com/media. Videos can also be downloaded from the site our video section.
With more than 180 years’ experience in France, Aviva is among the top ten players in the insurance market. Aviva France operates a balanced multi-distribution model based on a comprehensive range of products, mainly designed for individuals and SMEs. Some 900 general agents, 1,800 branch staff, 400 life insurance advisers, almost 900 wealth management advisers (Union Financière de France) and more than 1,000 active partner brokers are at the service of 3 million clients every day. Aviva has developed unique expertise in building effective partnerships for the benefit of its clients, particularly with AFER, the largest savings association in France, and the Crédit du Nord, Société Générale, Ford and Médéric groups. Specialising in unit-linked products, Aviva is recognised for the excellent performance of its long-term funds, the quality and innovation of its products, and solid commitment to its customers through its Good Advice approach. Aviva France is a socially responsible company and has developed initiatives that include reducing and neutralising its CO2 emissions, supporting more than 250 projects to help children and the elderly through the Aviva Foundation, and implementing an acclaimed diversity policy.
The Aviva Group directly employs more than 4,700 staff in France. At 31 December 2008, Aviva France reported consolidated sales of €6.0 billion and an IFRS-based net profit of €130 million. The company managed assets worth €69.6 billion at 31 December 2008.
*Based on gross worldwide premiums at 31 December 2007.