May 11, 2022
Aviva chief warns of worsening sexism after inappropriate AGM comments
Aviva's chief executive Amanda Blanc warned that sexism she has faced as a senior executive has become more intense, after comments made at the insurer's AGM this week triggered a swift backlash across the sector. Blanc, who became the FTSE 100 insurer's first female chief executive when she joined in 2020, drew support from other industry bosses as well as hundreds of well-wishers on social media. Penny James, chief executive at fellow insurer Direct Line, told the FT the comments "Brought into the open the sexism we know still exists" and credited Aviva's senior staff for calling out the behaviour. Sheila Cameron, chief executive of the Lloyd's Market Association, a trade body representing underwriters, said the "Disgraceful" comments proved efforts to improve culture had "a very long way to go". Julie Page, UK chief executive at professional services group Aon, said such comments undermined efforts "To drive gender diversity and attract female talent into the financial sector".
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