Friends Provident International Limited (FPI), part of the Aviva group, announces today the appointments of Chris Wei as Chairman*, and Khor Hock Seng as Chief Executive Officer* effective 1 July 2015. These appointments are an extension of Chris and Khor’s current responsibilities at Aviva, and follow the announcement in April that John Van Der Wielen, currently Executive Chairman of FPI, will step down on 30 June 2015. John will remain on the board of FPI as Non-Executive director.
Chris Wei, CEO Global Life Insurance and Chairman Asia, took overall responsibility for FPI in April 2015, as part of Aviva’s acquisition of Friends Life Group. Chris, who joined Aviva in 2014, has extensive experience in the Asian market and the global life insurance sector and has held a number of senior roles across the savings, pensions and insurance industry, including CEO of Great Eastern Holdings Ltd, the listed Asian life insurer.
Khor Hock Seng was appointed CEO of Aviva Asia in 2013. Before joining Aviva, he had held a number of senior roles including Chief Executive and Managing Director of AIA’s Malaysian business. Khor will continue to report to Chris Wei.
James Tan, Managing Director Asia; Marcus Gent, Managing Director Middle East & Rest of World; and Chris Gill, General Manager Singapore will continue in their roles at FPI. James Tan and Marcus Gent will now report to Khor Hock Seng.
Chris Wei, said,“I am excited about FPI’s potential. Aviva Asia and FPI are largely complementary and today’s appointments confirm our intention to bring both businesses closer together, maximising their combined potential and accelerating our growth in selected markets in Asia and the Middle East. “I am delighted that Khor has agreed to take on the additional responsibility of CEO of FPI. Khor has played a key role in growing Aviva’s Asian business and will bring his strong operational skills to FPI.
“I wish to thank John Van Der Wielen for the instrumental role he has played at FPI, and we are delighted he will remain on FPI’s board as a Non-Executive Director”
Khor Hock Seng, said,“Aviva Asia and FPI have a significant opportunity for growth. By bringing the businesses closer together we can provide a wider and more innovative range of savings, investment and insurance products to our valued customers and partners. I am pleased to take on the exciting task of leading FPI in this important phase of growth.”
* Appointments are subject to regulatory approval.
