Aviva has named its successor to outgoing chief executive of its Irish operations Dermot Brown, with Seán Egan taking up the role at the end of the year

Mr Browne has been chief executive since February this year.

Mr Egan has worked with Aviva since 1999, and comes to the role after holding the position of transformation director with Aviva Europe. He previously held the role of chief operating officer of Aviva's UK general insurance business and is also a member of Aviva's European executive committee.

He takes over the Irish operation at a time when Aviva is proposing major changes to the business, with plans to cut its workforce here by nearly 1,000. The group is also proposing the possible outsourcing up to 300 additional posts.

"Whilst we face challenges to improve our business, I am confident that we have the right proposals to provide competitive, innovative insurance products for our customers and create a long-term sustainable business for employees," Mr Egan said.

Chief executive of Aviva Europe Igal Mayer welcomed the appointment and said the insurer remained "absolutely committed" to its Irish business.

The trade union Unite said that its members had given " a cool response" to the appointment of Mr Egan.

Union members at the company have recently voted in favour of industrial action in protest at large-scale job losses announced by management.

Unite regional officer Brian Gallagher said: "Sean Egan has been parachuted in to force through a merger of the Irish business into that of the UK.,"

He said that Mr Egan had been "central to the decision to tear apart the Irish operation of Aviva."

The appointment must be approved by the board and regulators.