Aviva has announced its chief financial officer (CFO) has stepped down after four years.

Pat Regan will leave the insurer to join QBE as its CFO based in Sydney, Australia.

Mr Regan joined Aviva in February 2010 as CFO and was appointed to the Board as an executive director.

Aviva confirmed that it is now in the process of searching for his replacement.

Mr Regan, said: 'Whilst I am excited about my new role at QBE, I am also sad to be leaving Aviva. Aviva is a great business with a bright future ahead of it. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Mark and I wish him and everyone who works for Aviva all the best for the future.'

Mark Wilson, Aviva's chief executive, said: 'After a successful career at Aviva, Pat has decided to take a new role outside the Group. Pat has been a tremendous support in assisting me with Aviva's financial transformation. I am supportive of his decision, and he leaves with my best wishes and those of Aviva's Board.'