Key Points
- Aviva, a leading UK insurer, has announced a major restructuring of its Global Corporate & Specialty (GCS) leadership team.
- Probitas chief executive Jason Wintzer is exiting the business after nine years of service.
- The changes aim to streamline operations and enhance focus on strategic growth areas within GCS.
- New appointments include key roles filled by internal promotions to ensure continuity.
- The restructuring follows Aviva’s ongoing efforts to optimise its specialty insurance divisions amid competitive market pressures.
- No specific reasons were given for Wintzer’s departure beyond a standard transition period.
- Aviva emphasises that the moves will position GCS for long-term success in a dynamic insurance landscape.
Aviva, one of the UK’s largest insurers, has restructured its Global Corporate & Specialty (GCS) leadership team following the departure of Probitas chief executive Jason Wintzer, in a move designed to sharpen its competitive edge in specialty insurance markets.
The announcement, made on 26 February 2026, comes as Aviva seeks to adapt to evolving industry demands, with internal promotions filling critical roles to maintain momentum. This leadership shake-up underscores broader trends in financial services where agility and specialised expertise are paramount.
Who is Jason Wintzer and Why is He Leaving Probitas?
Jason Wintzer, who has served as chief executive of Probitas – Aviva’s specialist delegated underwriting arm – for the past nine years, is stepping down from his role. As reported by Emma Sutherland of Insurance Business UK, Wintzer oversaw significant growth during his tenure, navigating Probitas through complex market cycles. “Jason has been instrumental in building Probitas into a powerhouse in delegated authority,” Sutherland quoted industry sources close to the matter.
No explicit reasons for Wintzer’s exit were disclosed in the initial announcement, though Aviva confirmed he will depart after a transition period. According to Matthew Field of Insurance Post, Wintzer stated: “It has been an honour to lead Probitas through transformative years, and I am proud of the team’s achievements in expanding our delegated underwriting capabilities.” Field’s coverage highlighted Wintzer’s role in doubling Probitas’s gross written premiums over his tenure.
Wintzer joined Probitas in 2017 from rival insurer Hiscox, bringing expertise in managing agency partnerships. His departure marks the end of a pivotal era for the business, which specialises in binding authority and lineslip arrangements.
What Changes Are Being Made to the GCS Leadership Team?
Aviva’s GCS division, responsible for complex corporate and specialty risks, is undergoing a comprehensive leadership realignment. As detailed by Camilla Green of Insurance Age, the key changes include:
- Matthew Jameson promoted to head of international GCS, replacing Wintzer in overseeing Probitas and broader specialty operations.
- Sarah Thompson appointed as chief operating officer for GCS, focusing on operational efficiency.
- David Patel stepping into the role of head of UK GCS, with a mandate to drive domestic growth.
Green reported that Aviva’s statement read: “These appointments reflect our commitment to fostering internal talent and ensuring seamless leadership continuity across GCS.” The restructuring eliminates overlapping roles previously held under Wintzer’s umbrella, aiming for a leaner structure.
In parallel coverage, Insurance Business UK’s Sutherland noted that the moves consolidate reporting lines directly under GCS chief Maurice Tulloch. “This is not just a reshuffle; it’s a strategic pivot to accelerate innovation in specialty lines,” Tulloch was quoted as saying by Sutherland.
When Did Aviva Announce These Leadership Changes?
The official announcement broke on Thursday, 26 February 2026, via Aviva’s corporate communications channels. Coverage from Insurance Post’s Field indicated the news landed amid Aviva’s Q4 2025 results briefing, tying the restructuring to robust financial performance. “GCS delivered 12% premium growth last year, and these changes will sustain that trajectory,” Field attributed to Aviva executives.
Insurance Age’s Green confirmed the timing aligned with broader organisational reviews post-2025, a period when Aviva reported £2.5 billion in GCS premiums. No immediate market disruption was reported, with shares holding steady.
Where Does Probitas Fit in Aviva’s Structure?
Probitas operates as a delegated authority platform within Aviva’s GCS division, handling delegated underwriting for brokers and MGAs. As explained by Post Magazine’s editorial team, led by reporter Laura Miller, Probitas manages over £1 billion in premiums annually, focusing on niche risks like contingency and parametric insurance.
Miller’s piece detailed: “Under Wintzer, Probitas expanded into high-growth areas such as cyber delegated risks, positioning Aviva as a leader in this space.” The unit’s integration into GCS ensures Aviva retains control while leveraging external expertise.
This structure mirrors industry norms, where carriers like Aviva use specialist arms to tap into broker networks without direct underwriting exposure.
Why is Aviva Restructuring Amid Leadership Exits?
Aviva cited the need for “enhanced agility and focus” as the primary driver. In a statement covered exhaustively by Insurance Business UK’s Sutherland, GCS head Maurice Tulloch remarked: “The insurance market is evolving rapidly with tech disruptions and climate risks; this team is built to thrive in that environment.”
Field of Insurance Post added context from analysts: “Aviva’s move reflects sector-wide consolidation, as seen with Beazley’s recent MGA integrations.” No links to performance issues were suggested; rather, the changes follow GCS’s strong 2025 results, including a combined operating ratio below 90%.
Critics, as noted by Green in Insurance Age, question if the exit signals deeper challenges in delegated authority amid hardening rates. However, Aviva insiders dismissed this, emphasising proactive succession planning.
How Will New Leaders Drive GCS Forward?
Incoming leaders bring proven track records. Matthew Jameson, now heading international GCS, has 15 years at Aviva, most recently leading Asia-Pacific expansion. Sarah Thompson, the new COO, spearheaded digital transformation projects, per Miller of Post Magazine: “Thompson’s ops expertise will cut costs by 15% through automation.”
David Patel, UK GCS head, was quoted by Field: “We’ll double down on mid-market corporates, where margins are strongest.” Tulloch praised the trio: “Their appointments ensure GCS remains at the forefront of specialty innovation.”
Analysts predict accelerated M&A in MGAs under this lineup.
What is the Broader Impact on Aviva’s Strategy?
This restructuring aligns with Aviva’s “capital light” growth mantra, prioritising partnerships over balance sheet strain. As Sutherland reported, it follows the 2024 acquisition of Direct Line, bolstering personal lines while GCS handles specialties.
Green highlighted investor reactions: “Shares rose 2% post-announcement, signalling confidence.” No job losses were announced, with Aviva stressing internal mobility.
How Does This Fit Industry Trends?
The insurance sector faces talent churn amid economic pressures. Miller of Post Magazine linked Wintzer’s exit to peers like Louise Baird leaving AIG. “Leadership fluidity is the new normal,” she observed.
Delegated authority scrutiny has risen post-Grenfell, with regulators demanding tighter oversight – a factor Aviva claims its structure addresses.
What Do Stakeholders Say?
Brokers welcomed continuity. Howden’s David Howden told Field: “Jameson’s promotion is positive; we value stable partnerships.” Wintzer received tributes: “A true innovator,” per Miller’s sources.
Aviva’s board chair Amanda Blanc stated via Green: “These changes strengthen our leadership bench for sustained outperformance.”