Prudential plc has made a series of senior leadership changes across its Asia and Africa operations, naming new regional heads to lead key markets and growth initiatives.
The reshuffle includes appointments focused on expanding Prudential’s reach in emerging economies and advancing its health insurance portfolio.
Naveen Tahilyani has been appointed as regional CEO overseeing Prudential’s businesses in India, several African territories, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. His mandate also includes oversight of the insurer’s health division.
He will officially take on the role on July 29, joining the group executive committee and reporting to group CEO Anil Wadhwani. Tahilyani will be based in India.
Tahilyani most recently served as managing director and CEO of Tata Digital. His previous roles include leading Tata AIA Life Insurance and heading AIA Group’s regional distribution partnerships. Earlier in his career, he spent 17 years at McKinsey & Company advising financial institutions across Asia.
Wadhwani said the appointment reflects a focus on regional alignment and execution.
“Continuing to build our health pillar and driving growth across India, Africa, the Philippines, as well as Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar are strategic gamechangers for Prudential. I am confident Naveen is the right leader in the right location to deliver the impact we need,” he said.
Rajeev Mittal will become CEO of Eastspring Investments, Prudential’s investment management arm, beginning July 1.
He will operate from Singapore, report directly to Wadhwani, and join the company’s executive leadership team.
Mittal succeeds Bill Maldonado, who is stepping down and returning to the UK. Maldonado will continue to advise the company through September and maintain a board seat at ICICI Prudential Asset Management.
Mittal brings over three decades of experience in the asset management sector, including leadership roles at Fidelity International, where he led operations across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, and earlier positions at AIG and PineBridge Investments.
Wadhwani said Mittal’s familiarity with asset management across regional and global platforms positions him well to lead Eastspring through its next phase.
“As we look to the future, I am delighted to welcome Rajeev to Prudential, whose deep expertise in the Asian markets, combined with a proven track record in managing and scaling asset management businesses and client relationships, positions him exceptionally well to drive the continued growth and success of Eastspring,” he said.
Prudential recently introduced a dedicated role for Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and agency distribution, appointing John Cai, effective April 7. Cai is based in Hong Kong and reports to Wadhwani.
Cai has held senior leadership roles in the insurance industry, including as a regional CEO at AIA Group, where he led initiatives in several Asian markets and drove changes in agency management. He was also CEO of AXA Hong Kong.
