Continuing our series of networking opportunities for current pupils, OAs, OEs and other members of the Eastbournian Society family, we are very grateful to James Hillman (Blackwater 1982–87) for hosting this event and will be one of the speakers.

James has enjoyed a highly successful career in financial services, with over 20 years’ experience working in regulated roles, and was appointed to the Aviva Group Executive Committee as Group Chief Risk Officer in November 2023.

After Eastbourne College, James, who is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, studied at Bristol University and then began his career in the reinsurance industry, working for Swiss Re and Liberty Mutual while completing his actuarial qualification. He was a partner with Ernst & Young for ten years, leading global audit and advisory engagements in the insurance industry, ultimately leading the Risk and Actuarial Practice in the UK.

He joined Aviva from the Lloyds Banking Group where he worked as the Chief Financial Officer and Board member of Scottish Widows for the last four years. James joined LBG in 2015 as Chief Actuary for the Life and General Insurance business, before becoming Finance Director for the Insurance, Pensions and Investments Division.

The event takes place at Aviva’s headquarters and starts at 6.00pm. Some light refreshments will be available. There is no charge for this event but you are invited to contribute to the College's Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal. This promises to be a popular event, so we advise registering early as places are limited. Please join us if you are currently working in the insurance sector or are seeking careers advice in this sector. It will be attended by a group of sixth-form College pupils who are keen to know more about this area.