Rod Charters – Retired Branch Manager – Aviva London City

It is was with sadness the passing of Rod Charters earlier this year photographed left rear above, however he will be remembered by many who worked with him and were he influenced in great ways. Most of him will remember him as firstly a friend, then a colleague or boss. All will remember him for fun and laughter.  

Why the bike ride? 

My son Philip had originally entered the London to Brighton mountain bike ride to raise money for the British Heart Foundation after my own mother needed a main aorta heart valve replacement 18 months ago. Initially my only job was to drive down and collect him in Brighton.

The family wishes rather than flowers at Rods funeral from friends was for any donations to the British Heart Foundation. In a moment of reflection a couple of days after the funeral,  I opened my sons  confirmation of entry and BHF stood out.

Perhaps it was coincidence but I felt why not go for a late entry at least the tax man could add to my donation. It would also let Rod have a laugh looking down at me.  To justify the rash choice I also thought that as I now reached  the age of 49 this year it was also the age Rod retired from Aviva.

To my surprise my late entry was accepted. Whilst I can’t promise I will be able to do the 70 miles, I am confident of 10-20. Your tribute here will add some tax relief to  donations in memory of Rod. 

Importantly this will help the British Heart Foundation.

"Rod here's to you cheers for the memories Pierre"

For those that did not see the Personal Finance Society magazine tribute to Rod I have repeated most below, which I was assisted with by both Paul Pettit & David Brewer

Rod had a distinguished career at Norwich Union which was to become CGNU following the merger of General Accident & Commercial Union and later renamed Aviva as the combined group. 

Based in Kingston Main branch as a trainee Inspector in the
Mid 1970s, this followed as recalled by a colleague of him previously being Head of New business quotes at that time.  

He was appointed Inspector responsible for the Woking area
between 1977 &1978.

He then moved to London City around 1982 as Inspector and
then Senior Inspector. He then was to become Chief Inspector of the West End branch around about 1987.

In the late eighties he was promoted becoming the youngest
branch manager at Norwich Union initially spending some time as the Branch manager in Enfield. Very soon after, his talents had him promoted to the City as Branch Manager. The Largest branch of Norwich Union.

In his role in the City throughout the 90s s and into the Millennium he guided his team consistently being the highest achieving team year after year through his excellent rapport building  and global/big picture outlook he could share with the wide IFA community and also head office colleagues and professional bodies.  This included through the demutualisation times of Norwich Union and the mergers  mentioned above.

All those who were lucky to have worked with him enjoyed his company and infectious positive outlook he had. He was a true Ambassador who also met regularly with the managers in London of several other insurance companies in making sure they all had a good ear to what was happening on the ground to allow all to flourish.  

Rod retired at the age of 49 from Aviva. A good number of those who worked with Rod over the years have were lucky enough to carry on seeing Rod and enjoyed his company with regular get together meeting both in the City in the summer and at the Kinnerton Street gatherings in West End in the winter some 15 years after his retirement. 

Rod will be missed by many and is thanked for the impact he
created on so many individuals who have branched across the financial services profession.