Prudential Corporation Asia (PCA) has appointed Robin Spencer (pictured) as CEO of its business unit in Thailand, Prudential Life Assurance (Thailand) PCL, succeeding Aman Chowla.

Spencer reports to Wilf Blackburn, regional CEO, insurance growth markets, who, in turn, reports to Nic Nicandrou, chief executive of PCA, the company’s statement said.

In 2018, Spencer joined PCA as chief operating officer, leading key transformation projects across the region. He has over 25 years of senior management experience across life and non-life insurance and asset management in Asia, Europe, North America, and the UK. He had previously served as CEO for international at NN Group and CEO for UK & Ireland at Aviva General Insurance.

The appointment, which is subject to regulatory approval, follows Prudential’s signing in March of a strategic, long-term bancassurance partnership with TMB Bank in Thailand, offering life, health, and savings products to the bank’s nine million customers. The partnership complements TMB’s established relationships with Prudential’s asset management joint ventures in Thailand – TMBAM Eastspring and Thanachart Fund Eastspring. According to Prudential it has a 12% share of the country’s mutual fund market.

“I am delighted to announce that Robin will take on the important role of CEO of Prudential Life Assurance (Thailand),” Nicandrou said. “Our partnership with TMB is strategically important to our business. It is part of our significant investments to broaden further our footprint and presence in Thailand, the second-largest life insurance market and the largest mutual fund market in ASEAN. With his extensive skill set and track record, Robin is exceptionally well-placed to lead Prudential Thailand to even greater success."