by Canada’s insurance sector hums with opportunity. Amid economic shifts and rising demands for tailored coverage, one player stands out. Aviva Canada accelerates its business expansion, fueling workforce growth to match. With a fresh CEO at the helm and ambitious strategies in play, the company eyes deeper roots in personal and commercial lines. This move not only bolsters its market position but also signals confidence in Canada’s vibrant economy. In this post, we explore Aviva’s bold steps, the drivers behind them, and what it means for customers, partners, and employees. If you’re navigating insurance choices or career paths, these developments matter.
Nav Dhillon Takes the Wheel: A New Era for Aviva Canada
August 2025 marked a pivotal moment. Nav Dhillon stepped in as CEO of Aviva Canada. His mandate? Drive disciplined growth while honoring the company’s core strategy. Dhillon, a seasoned leader with deep ties to the Canadian market, brings a laser focus on execution. “Our strategy remains unchanged,” he told Insurance Business Canada. Yet under his watch, business expansion gains fresh momentum.
Dhillon’s priorities align with market needs. He targets commercial lines for outsized gains. Partnerships with brokers and clients will deepen. Claims service gets an overhaul for speed and empathy. And at the heart? People. With over 5,000 employees coast to coast, Dhillon vows to invest in talent. Upskilling in digital tools and data analytics tops the list. This workforce growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a connected, purpose-driven team.
Early signs point to success. Q1 2025 results from Aviva plc show general insurance premiums up 9% group-wide. In Canada, personal lines grew 13%, commercial 7%. Dhillon’s bullish outlook? “Tremendous results for our people, partners, brokers, and communities.” For a deeper dive into leadership shifts, check Insurance Business Canada’s CEO spotlight.
Business Expansion: Targeting Commercial and Personal Lines
Aviva Canada isn’t resting on laurels. Despite 2024’s weather woes—floods and wildfires that cost the industry billions—the company posted resilient growth. Full-year 2024 results highlighted achievements amid challenges. Now, 2025 brings acceleration.
Commercial lines lead the charge. Dhillon sees “enormous potential” here. New products for resilient solutions—think cyber coverage and supply chain protections—roll out. Premiums rose 7% in early 2025, driven by corporate wins in Ontario and Quebec. Partnerships with brokers expand reach. Aviva aims to capture more mid-market share, where demand surges.
Personal lines keep pace. Home and auto policies grew 13%, fueled by customer acquisitions. Lifestyle offerings, like travel and pet insurance, tap into post-pandemic trends. Aviva’s coast-to-coast network—serving 2.5 million customers—positions it well. Expansion includes digital upgrades. Mobile apps now handle claims faster, boosting satisfaction.
This business expansion reflects broader trends. Canada’s economy rebounds, with GDP growth at 1.5% projected for 2025. SMEs, Aviva’s sweet spot, eye hiring and scaling. A recent Aviva survey found 89% optimistic about growth, with 82% planning workforce growth. Insurers like Aviva step up with tailored products. For SME insights, explore our post on Canadian SME growth strategies.
Workforce Growth: Investing in Talent for Long-Term Success
People power progress. Aviva Canada gets this. With 5,000+ employees, the company commits to nurturing its talent pool. Dhillon calls it essential: “The key thing for any insurance business is the talent pool.” Ensuring staff show up engaged, skilled, and connected to purpose.
Upskilling leads. Digital and data training equips teams for AI-driven underwriting and analytics. Career paths open wider—internal promotions hit 25% in 2024. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) thrive. Aviva co-leads communities for ability and intergenerational workplaces. This fosters inclusion, eliminating barriers for dyslexic employees or young hires.
Recognition follows. In December 2024, Aviva earned GTA Top Employer status for 2025. Judges praised flexible work, wellness programs, and growth opportunities. “We’re building a diverse workforce that embraces inclusion,” says one employee leader. This workforce growth attracts top talent amid shortages. Insurers compete fiercely; Aviva’s purpose—protecting what matters—resonates.
Numbers tell the story. Headcount rose 8% in 2024, with plans for more in 2025. New roles span tech, sales, and claims. Remote options draw coast-to-coast applicants. For career advice in insurance, visit Aviva Canada’s careers page.
Challenges Amid Expansion: Weather, Regulation, and Competition
Growth isn’t linear. Aviva Canada navigates headwinds. 2024’s severe weather—$3.5 billion in claims—tested resilience. Regulatory scrutiny rises; OSFI eyes capital rules. Competition heats in commercial lines, with price pressures in large accounts.
Dhillon remains optimistic. Reinsurance markets harden, offsetting soft spots. Transformation agenda—digitizing operations—cuts costs 10%. Claims elevation focuses on empathy and speed, turning pain points into loyalty.
Macro factors loom. Interest rates stabilize, but inflation lingers. SMEs cite skilled labor shortages—only 36% find enough local talent. Aviva counters with training partnerships. These business expansion efforts build buffers against uncertainty.
Impact on Customers and Partners: What Expansion Means for You
Customers win big. Aviva Canada‘s push means more options. Commercial clients get resilient products for cyber threats or climate risks. Personal policyholders enjoy seamless digital experiences. 2.5 million served coast to coast—now with faster claims and personalized advice.
Brokers, key partners, gain tools. Enhanced platforms streamline quoting. Growth in Ontario and Quebec opens doors for new business. “Stronger collaboration,” says CEO Garrad in her 2025 outlook. This ecosystem thrives on mutual success.
Communities benefit too. Aviva’s purpose-driven approach funds local initiatives. From financial literacy to disaster relief, expansion amplifies impact. In a survey, 75% of SMEs credit community ties for success—Aviva embodies this.
Future Outlook: 2025 and Beyond for Aviva Canada
2025 promises momentum. Dhillon targets market leadership. Commercial lines could grow 15%, mirroring group trends. Personal lines build on 13% gains. Operating profit rises, per Q1 results.
Group-wide, Aviva plc shifts to capital-light models—56% of profit from low-risk areas. Canada aligns, with health and retirement lines expanding. “Profitable growth across the group,” says CEO Amanda Blanc.
Challenges persist. But with invested talent and strategic focus, Aviva Canada leads. Tracy Garrad, outgoing CEO, sets the tone: “Ample opportunities and meaningful growth.” For industry forecasts, see Canadian Underwriter’s 2025 outlook.
Lessons for Canadian Businesses: Emulating Aviva’s Model
Aviva Canada‘s story inspires. Business expansion thrives on people-first strategies. Invest in skills. Forge partnerships. Embrace digital. SMEs nationwide can adapt this.
Start with audits: Where do gaps lie? Seek grants like SR&ED for innovation. Build networks—chambers, accelerators. Measure progress quarterly. Aviva’s 8% headcount bump shows commitment pays.
In a competitive landscape, purpose matters. Aviva’s DEI and community focus attract talent and loyalty. Canadian firms: Lead with values. Growth follows. For more on scaling, read our guide on insurance sector growth in Canada.
Conclusion: Aviva Canada’s Expansion Signals Broader Promise
Aviva Canada charges ahead with business expansion and workforce growth. New leadership, resilient products, and talent investments position it for leadership. Customers gain choice. Employees find purpose. Partners build stronger ties.
2025 holds excitement. As Dhillon says, “Bullish on our business—globally and in Canada.” For insurers and SMEs alike, this blueprint works. Watch Aviva. It may redefine success Down Under—no, wait, up North. Ready to grow? The time is now.
