RSA taps Aviva to drive ambitious technology transformation

RSA Insurance has taken a senior executive from rival Aviva to drive its ambitious technology transformation of key operating and claims capabilities following the exit of Richard Thompson.

Gary Mason (pictured) has joined RSA as chief operating office (COO) delivery director. He replaces Thompson, who is leaving the company after 12 years to move to the US.

Mason will be responsible for contributing to the delivery of RSA’s strategic outperformance objectives, including leading its ambitious projects such as the implementation of its new cloud-based GuideWire claims management system. He will report into Oliver Holden, chief information officer at RSA, UK&I.

Mason has significant insurance IT experience, having previously worked at IBM for 16+ years, Allianz for over 12 years, and most recently Aviva, where he was the claims CIO partner for more than five years. He has led numerous complex multi-year programmes of work, including Guidewire Claims implementations across motor and property for both personal and commercial lines.

Holden said: “With customer expectations continuing to evolve, the customer experience has increased in its importance as a competitive differentiator in our industry. That’s why tech and data are central to our outperformance business strategy and our ambition to provide more tailored insurance solutions that better meet our customers’ needs.

“I’m delighted to welcome Gary to the team. His in-depth experience of leading multi-year transformation change programmes, combined with his knowledge of successful Guidewire implementation, will be a real asset to our team.

“I also want to wish Richard Thompson the best of luck for the next exciting chapter in his journey, and I’m certain that he’ll continue to be a huge success in whatever he does.”

Did you get value from this story?  Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.