Former divisional UK CEO David Hynam, who oversaw the creation and integration of the Friends Life UK Division, has decided to leave the business.
Van Der Wielen has over 25 years’ experience in financial services, having held senior executive roles in life and pensions, general insurance, wealth management and banking sectors. He joined Friends Life in November 2011.
Colin Williams, Steve Payne and David Still, respectively managing directors of corporate benefits, protection and retirement income, will report to John Van Der Wielen, as will James Tan, who has been appointed managing director of Friends Provident International, based in Hong Kong.
Friends Life group chief executive Andy Briggs says: “John has extensive financial services experience and I am confident he will provide excellent leadership to drive the organic growth of our UK business, which is a key component of a strong and sustainable Friends Life Group. The strategy remains unchanged for our UK and international divisions and they will continue to operate separately. I would also like to thank David Hynam for his contribution in establishing our UK division and wish him well for the future.”
