Versey will be joining Aviva in 2014, where he will work closely with the firm’s new chief executive, Euan Munro.

His role responsibilities include strengthening the firm’s investment proposition, supporting internal clients and growing the business externally.

An Aviva spokesperson said that Versey will help embed the firm’s “focus on investment solutions that deliver income with low volatility”.

Versey is currently chief investment officer at Friends Life, having worked there for three years. He previously served in various roles at firms such as Axa UK, Morgan Stanley, Lehman Brothers and Deutsche Bank.

In related news, London-headquartered Aviva Investors said last week that it is planning to cut 60 jobs - roughly 6 per cent of its workforce - before new chief executive Euan Munro takes up his position in January. Read more on that story, here.