Mr Matthews joins Aviva from Friends Life where he is currently vice chairman. He has previously been a chief executive of Friends Provident and Standard Life UK life and pension business.

He will replace Mark Hodge who has resigned from Aviva after 20 years to join Towergate Insurance as its chief executive.

David Barral will remain chief executive of Aviva UK Life and David McMillan will remain as chief executive of Aviva UK general insurance.

Mr Matthews said: “Aviva is a business that I have always admired and seen as a formidable competitor in my previous roles. Over the coming years I am confident that Aviva UK will continue to strengthen its position as the country’s undisputed leader in insurance.”

Andrew Moss, group chief executive of Aviva, said: “I am very sorry to see Mark leave but we understand that he wishes to take on a different challenge at this stage in his career.

“Trevor has an outstanding track record of achievement in insurance globally and will be a strong addition to our leadership team.”

Mr Matthews is expected to join Aviva as soon as possible.