HCM CITY — Prudential plc has announced the appointment of Anil Wadhwani as Group Chief Executive Officer and said he would assume the role in February 2023 as the company pivots towards an Asian focus. 

Wadhwani is a global financial services leader with more than 30 years’ experience, predominantly in Asia, who has combined strategic vision and execution at some of the world’s biggest companies. 

He has a wealth of experience as a customer-centric and people leader with a strong track record of creating and driving a culture of success. 

Prudential Vietnam head office. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

He also has significant and proven digital experience, having driven the modernisation of technology platforms across 13 markets in Asia in his previous role.

Before that, he spent 25 years with Citi Group in the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the US in a number of consumer financial services roles. 

Wadhwani was born in 1968 and educated in Mumbai, India, 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 next 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 support Wadhwani in his transition.

As set out in its 2021 full year results in March 2022, the company 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 and, in particular, the development of its agency and bancassurance businesses.

Shriti Vadera, chairwoman 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 2021, 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 operations will be geographically aligned.”

Prudential Vietnam head office. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Commenting on his appointment, Wadhwani, said: “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 market 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 Covid 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.” VNS