FWD Group has hired Jon Nielsen as managing director and chief financial officer. He succeeds former CFO Craig Merdian.

According to a statement by FWD, Merdian has assumed a new role within the group, overseeing the financial growth of new ventures across the region. He will work closely with Nielsen to ensure a smooth handover.

Nielsen brings extensive experience in the insurance industry, having held senior financial management positions at both group and regional leadership levels. He joins FWD from AIA Group, where he was most recently the group chief risk officer and a member of the group executive committee, overseeing the group’s risk and compliance functions. Previously, he was regional CFO and led the finance function in establishing AIA as a listed company. Earlier in his career, Nielsen held senior roles at AIG in New York, Allianz in Munich, and Deloitte & Touche in the US and Hong Kong.

“We are delighted to welcome Jon to FWD to lead our group finance functions, building on the success established by Craig,” said Huynh Thanh Phong, chief executive officer of FWD Group. “Jon’s impressive track-record in the industry makes him a valuable addition to the group’s executive team. As he takes responsibility for FWD’s financial management and governance functions, his leadership will allow the continued development of our business as we fulfil our ambition to become a leading pan-Asian insurer that changes the way people feel about insurance.”