Aviva names new chief underwriting officer for commercial lines

May 20, 2026

Global insurer Aviva has appointed Alex McMurrough as chief underwriting officer for its commercial lines business, expanding her responsibilities across underwriting strategy, pricing and technical underwriting operations.

McMurrough joined Aviva in September 2025 in a pricing and exposure management role and will now oversee underwriting strategy and risk appetite across the insurer’s commercial lines portfolio, according to InsurTech Insights.

The appointment comes following the departure of Karen Dayal, who has left the business to pursue another opportunity.

McMurrough brings extensive insurance market experience to the role, having previously held senior leadership positions at QBE and AXA XL, where she oversaw global pricing and data science operations.

Her promotion reflects Aviva’s continued focus on strengthening underwriting discipline and data-led decision making across its commercial insurance operations.

In her new position, McMurrough will also take responsibility for technical underwriting as the insurer looks to support long-term growth across its commercial lines business.

Aviva said the leadership change will help further develop its underwriting and pricing capabilities while supporting brokers and commercial insurance customers.

Alex McMurrough said, “I’m thrilled to take on this role. Aviva has a strong commercial lines business underpinned by disciplined underwriting and data led insight.

“I’m excited to build on this, working closely with our talented teams to drive sustainable growth and strengthening support for our brokers and customers.”

Aviva UK and Ireland general insurance CEO Jason Storah thanked outgoing executive Karen Dayal for her contribution to the business before welcoming McMurrough into the role.

Jason Storah said, “I’d like to thank Dayal for all her contributions and wish her every success for the future.

“With a wealth of industry experience, she is well positioned to further enhance our pricing and underwriting capabilities, while supporting continued growth and performance across our commercial lines business. Since joining Aviva last year, she has made a significant impact, recognised for her sharp insights, collaboration and results.”