Prudential Plc. names Anil Wadhwani as new Group CEO

May 28, 2022 | 11:20
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On May 25th, Prudential Plc. announced the appointment of Anil Wadhwani as Group CEO and said he would assume the role in February, pivoting the company towards a more Asian focus.

Anil Wadhwani is a global financial services leader with more than 30 years of experience – predominantly in Asia – combining a strategic vision and execution in some of the world’s biggest companies. He has a wealth of experience as a customer-centric leader with a strong track record of creating and driving a culture of success. Wadhwani also has significant and proven digital experience, having driven the modernisation of tech platforms across 13 markets in Asia in his previous role.

Prudential Plc. names Anil Wadhwani as new Group CEO
Prudential Plc. has named Anil Wadhwani as the new Group CEO

Prior to that, he spent 25 years with Citi Group in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the US in a number of financial services roles. Wadhwani was born in 1968, educated in Mumbai, and has worked in Mumbai, Singapore, London, New York, and most recently for nearly five years in Hong Kong. He will take up the new role in February, subject to regulatory approval, and will be based in Hong Kong – where he currently resides. Mark FitzPatrick, Interim Group CEO, will continue to lead the business and will support Wadhwani in his transition.

As set out in its 2021 full-year results in March, the group continues to focus on the delivery of its growth strategy despite volatility in operating conditions. It will focus on the quality of the business' written, health, and protection products and the enhancement of its digitally-enabled multi-channel distribution model. Particular attention will be paid to the development of its agency and bancassurance business.

Shriti Vadera, chair of Prudential said, "The Board is delighted to appoint Anil following our thorough succession process and the move of the entire senior management team to Asia. Over the course of last year, we reshaped our business and the Board is confident that Anil will capture the significant opportunities that we see ahead. Following his appointment, the group’s leadership, lead regulator, and its operations will be geographically aligned.”

Commenting on his appointment, Anil Wadhwani stated, “I am honoured to have been appointed as the new Group CEO of Prudential. Prudential is diversified across Asia and Africa, with a highly successful business, a very powerful brand, and leading positions in many of its key markets. I strongly believe in the strength of its digitally-enabled multi-channel distribution model. Prudential is exclusively focused on growth markets and has shown great resilience and agility through the recent and ongoing pandemic. This strong performance is a real testament to all their people, the quality of talent, and the leadership team who I am very much looking forward to working with. It will be a true privilege to lead the business as it continues to serve customers and communities, driving growth in Asia and Africa while delivering value for the shareholders.”

By Mai Dang

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