Amanda Blanc: A Trailblazer in the Insurance Industry and Champion for Gender Equality

Amanda Blanc is a prominent Welsh businesswoman, serving as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aviva, one of the UK’s largest insurance firms, since July 2020. Blanc’s career has been marked by her leadership roles at major insurance companies like Zurich Insurance Group and AXA, where she broke new ground as a leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Known for her strategic thinking and commitment to climate action, she has reshaped Aviva’s vision, focusing on growth, sustainability, and innovation. With her recognition in global power lists and numerous awards, including being appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE), Amanda Blanc is a true trailblazer in business and beyond.

Who is Amanda Blanc?

Amanda Blanc is a Welsh businesswoman and the Group Chief Executive Officer of Aviva, the UK’s leading insurance company. She made history by becoming the first woman to lead Aviva and has played a significant role in reshaping the company’s focus and business strategy. With her strong leadership, Aviva has streamlined its operations, divested from non-core businesses, and focused on sustainable practices that will define the future of the insurance industry.

Her professional journey spans decades, with key roles in various global companies like Zurich Insurance Group and AXA, where she gained valuable experience in executive management. Blanc is recognized not only for her business acumen but also for her dedication to gender equality, making her a leading voice for diversity in the corporate world.

Amanda Blanc: Age and Early Life

Amanda Blanc was born in Treherbert, Rhondda, Wales. As of 2025, she is 56 years old, born in 1969. Growing up in Wales, she developed a strong academic foundation, pursuing Modern History at the University of Liverpool. Blanc later earned an MBA from the University of Leeds, a move that helped launch her successful career in the insurance and finance industries.

Her early life in Wales was formative, shaping her drive and determination, which would eventually help her climb to the top of the business world. The challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry only fueled her ambition and passion for leadership.

The Rise to CEO: A Journey of Leadership

Amanda Blanc’s career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring. She began her career as a graduate trainee at Commercial Union, which later became part of the Aviva Group. Her early years in the insurance industry laid the foundation for her future success, and over time, she moved into senior roles at major global companies.

Blanc joined Zurich Insurance Group as CEO for the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region and later became the Global Banking CEO at Zurich. She continued her climb to the top at AXA, where she served as Group CEO of AXA UK, PPP, and Ireland. These roles helped Blanc develop the expertise and confidence to lead at the highest levels in the global insurance industry.

Her leadership at Zurich and AXA demonstrated her ability to navigate complex challenges, drive business performance, and manage diverse teams. In 2020, she was appointed CEO of Aviva, where she has been credited with spearheading the company’s strategic shift toward sustainability and market leadership.

Amanda Blanc’s Family: Personal Life and Values

While Amanda Blanc has made a name for herself as a successful businesswoman, she also values her family life. She is married and has two daughters. Despite her high-profile career, Blanc maintains a balanced personal life and often emphasizes the importance of family in her journey to success.

Blanc’s family background and early experiences shaped her values, particularly her belief in the importance of inclusivity, equal opportunity, and diversity in all areas of life. She has often spoken about her desire to set an example for her daughters, showing them that they can achieve anything, regardless of gender or background.

In addition to her family life, Blanc is an accomplished pianist. Before embarking on her business career, she aspired to be a professional musician. This passion for music remains an important part of her identity, serving as a reminder of the importance of creativity and balance in life.

Amanda Blanc’s Leadership at Aviva

As the Group CEO of Aviva, Amanda Blanc has made significant strides in reshaping the company’s focus and operations. One of her key achievements was leading a comprehensive review of Aviva’s business strategy. Under her leadership, the company has made bold decisions, including the divestment of non-core businesses and a focus on core markets, particularly in the UK and Ireland.

Blanc’s strategic direction has been instrumental in Aviva’s growth, allowing the company to raise over £8 billion in capital by selling off non-essential units. This restructuring helped Aviva strengthen its balance sheet, making it more resilient to external challenges, such as economic shifts or regulatory changes.

In addition to her financial leadership, Blanc has emphasized the importance of sustainability and climate action. She has been a vocal advocate for the insurance sector’s role in addressing the impact of climate change, working to align Aviva’s operations with its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. Under her leadership, Aviva has committed to becoming a leader in climate-conscious investing, promoting sustainability in every aspect of the business.

Awards and Recognition: A Global Business Icon

Amanda Blanc’s impact has been widely recognized in the global business community. She was named to Forbes’ “Power Women” list in 2021 and 2023, solidifying her status as one of the most influential women in business. Additionally, she was ranked 33rd on Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women” list in 2023, an accolade she has earned through her exceptional leadership and commitment to progress.

Her dedication to driving change in the insurance industry and beyond has also earned her several industry-specific awards. In 2022, she was recognized as the “Insurance Personality of the Year” at the British Insurance Awards, a testament to her influence and contributions to the sector.

In recognition of her leadership and advocacy for gender equality, Amanda Blanc was honored with the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours, a distinction that highlights her lifelong work in advancing business, equality, and climate action.

Amanda Blanc on Climate Action and Sustainability

Blanc has consistently advocated for climate action within the insurance industry. As CEO of Aviva, she has been instrumental in promoting the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Under her leadership, Aviva has committed to transitioning to net-zero emissions by 2040, aligning its business practices with the need for urgent climate action.

The insurance sector is uniquely positioned to make a significant impact on climate change, as it plays a crucial role in managing risk and providing financial solutions to businesses and individuals. Blanc has pushed for greater transparency in the sector and has championed the idea that companies must prioritize sustainability to ensure long-term viability.

Blanc’s leadership in sustainability has positioned Aviva as one of the leading companies in the global push for a green economy, encouraging other businesses to adopt similar approaches in their operations.

Amanda Blanc’s Legacy: A Vision for the Future

Amanda Blanc’s journey is a remarkable one, and her legacy in the business world will undoubtedly inspire future generations of leaders. As one of the few women to head a major global insurance company, she has shattered glass ceilings and broken down barriers for women in the corporate world.

Her leadership at Aviva has not only strengthened the company but has also set a new standard for how businesses should approach sustainability, diversity, and innovation. Blanc’s commitment to driving change both in her company and the broader industry makes her one of the most influential figures in modern business.

As she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the insurance industry, Amanda Blanc will likely remain at the forefront of global business leadership for years to come.

Conclusion: Amanda Blanc’s Impact on Business and Society

Amanda Blanc’s contributions to the insurance industry, her commitment to sustainability, and her role as a leader for women in business make her a figure of immense significance in today’s corporate landscape. Through her work at Aviva, Blanc has proven that businesses can be both profitable and socially responsible, shaping the future of the insurance sector while inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Her leadership, both at Aviva and in previous roles at Zurich and AXA, has set new benchmarks for success in the industry. With her unwavering dedication to gender equality, climate action, and business innovation, Amanda Blanc has cemented her place as one of the most powerful women in global business today.