Insurance company Aviva has appointed a new chief information officer who the company say will focus their global IT strategy.

Cathryn Riley is moving from her position as Commercial Director at Aviva, taking over from Toby Redshaw as he moves to American Express where he will take up a position as executive vice president and CIO. Redshaw had spent over three years at helm of the insurance giant’s IT operations.

In a statement, Aviva said that Riley would be, “focused on defining the global IT strategy Aviva needs to support its business, and driving the best use of emerging technology for Aviva and its customers”.

Aviva chief executive, Andrew Moss said: “Cathryn is uniquely well placed to lead the IT function. The IT agenda is crucial to our business success, and the time is right to increase the focus on technology at a board level.”

Aviva said that the appointement would be effective immediately.