As reported, Smith left FPI earlier this year to take a role at Standard Life (Asia).
Quach comes to FPI from AIA in Hong Kong, where he was assistant vice president, business development for group IFA brokerage, a role he held for almost two years. Prior to this he spent more than eight years with Zurich International Life, where his roles included head of distribution.
FPI chief executive John Van Der Wielen said Quach’s appointment was evidence of the company’s “increased commitment to Asia” as well as its “drive to recruit high calibre employees with local market experience”.
Quach, who is fluent in Cantonese and English and speaks a little Mandarin, reports to FPI’s Hong Kong general manager, David Knights.
FPI has been boosting its strategic emphasis on Asia in recent years, which is where it has seen significant growth in sales of its products. Last month, the company announced a number of changes to its London headquarters management line-up in response to what it said was a strategic review that is resulting in a shift in emphasis to such markets as Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle East.
This review will see a change in emphasis for Friends Life’s international division with senior management changes that will strengthen the company’s commitment to Asia.
The management changes, announced on 5 March, will include a new role of executive director for Asia, located in Hong Kong but with responsibility for FPI’s businesses in Asia and the Middle East.
