AXA UK has appointed Scott Wheway as its new chairman, succeeding Ian Brimecome, who is retiring from the role following a five-year tenure and over a decade as a non-executive director.

Wheway was previously a member of the board of Aviva until December 2016 and also served as chairman of Aviva Insurance until September 2017.

He is currently senior independent director of Santander UK and chairman of the responsible banking committee.

Additionally, he sits as a non-executive director of FTSE 100 energy services company, Centrica, and is chairman of the remuneration committee.

Meanwhile, outgoing chairman Brimecome joined AXA in 2007 as a non-executive director. He also serves as chairman of Equitable Life Assurance Society, Tokio Marine Kiln Group, HCC Holdings and Delphi Financial Group.

AXA UK & Ireland Group CEO, Amanda Blanc said: "We are delighted to have Scott joining us at AXA. Scott has worked in a number of senior board level roles in a range of different sectors so his wealth of experience will stand us in good stead as we pursue our Ambition 2020 strategy."

"I’d like to thank Ian for his support as chairman over the last 5 years and for spending more than a decade as a hard-working non-executive director. Everyone at AXA wishes him the best for the future."

Wheway added: "I am looking forward to taking up my new role with AXA and continuing the excellent work done by my predecessor. I am joining AXA at an exciting time and am keen to get started working with the Board to help the company achieve its strategic goals."