The Board of FWD Group announces the appointment of Huynh Thanh Phong as Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of FWD Group

The Board of FWD Group announces the appointment of Huynh Thanh Phong as Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of FWD Group. FWD Group is the insurance business arm of Pacific Century Group. Swiss Re Group invested in FWD Group in 2013, with a shareholding of 12.3%.

In his new role, Phong will lead the Group’s overall business, driving its growth strategy and building FWD into a single cohesive business across Asia.

Phong joins FWD from an advisory position with Argyle Street Management, a Hong Kong-based investment fund. Phong brings to the Group more than 25 years’ experience in the insurance industry, covering markets across the Asia region, as well as in North America and the Middle East. He has held a number of senior management positions in leading multinational insurance and financial services companies, including Fullerton Financial, Prudential, Manulife and AIA.

Commenting on Phong’s appointment, the Hon. Ronald Arculli, Chairman of FWD said, “Phong is a highly successful insurance industry veteran who brings a strong performance track record and a wealth of experience to our business. His appointment will ensure that FWD is properly positioned to further develop and enhance our services and products offerings. We continue to see exciting growth for Asia’s insurance industry. I am confident that Phong and the FWD team will capitalise on the potential of the insurance sector and establish our business as a leader in the region.”

Assuming his role as Group Chief Executive Officer, Phong added, “I am truly excited by this unique opportunity to lead a fresh and dynamic insurance brand with customers’ needs at the heart of the business. I am attracted to FWD by the incredible culture of innovation amongst the team, and the fast pace of technology integration in their operations. By leveraging on the strengths of its shareholders - Pacific Century Group and Swiss Re - FWD has the potential to be a driving force for change in the industry.”

"I look forward to working with everyone to build FWD into a leading regional player as we dedicate our business to servicing our stakeholders, through delivering innovative products and the best experience for our customers, agency force and distribution partners.”

---

About FWD Group

Established in Asia in 2013 with a trailblazer mentality, FWD is the primary insurance business of investment group, Pacific Century Group

FWD Group spans 10 markets in Asia including Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia and Cambodia, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, employee benefits, Shariah and family takaful products across a number of its markets.

FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences and making the insurance journey simpler, faster and smoother, with innovative propositions and easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD aims to be a leading pan-Asian insurer by changing the way people feel about insurance.

For more information please visit www.fwd.com

About Pacific Century Group

Pacific Century Group (PCG) was established in 1993 and has interests in property, financial services and other investments in the Asia Pacific region. PCG has a strong track record of holding and developing assets over the long term, and has a network of well-established connections in Asia.

Since its inception, PCG has consistently invested in the financial services sector. In February 2013, PCG successfully acquired ING Groep N.V.’s Hong Kong, Macau and Thailand insurance business. In 2010, PCG acquired the global asset management operations from AIG and renamed it PineBridge Investments. Since PCG’s acquisition, PineBridge Investments has received 13 industry awards. The company has more than US $65 billion in assets under management through its global network.