Former AIA boss is front-runner to be Aviva chief

Mark Wilson, former boss of Asian insurer AIA, has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next Aviva chief executive.

The New Zealander, aged 45, is vying with Pat Regan – the insurer's finance director – for the top job at the company, which has been without a boss since Andrew Moss was ousted in May. Mr Moss's position became untenable after 59 per cent of Aviva's investors refused to back the company's pay at its AGM.

Other names believed to be in the frame include Brian Hartzer, former head of Royal Bank of Scotland's retail banking arm, and Joe Garner, former HSBC deputy chief executive. A decision is expected next week.

Aviva declined to comment.