Prudential Corporation Asia today announced the appointment of its COO Robin Spencer as CEO of its Thailand business, subject to regulatory approval. He takes over from Aman Chowla.

Spencer joined Prudential Asia in 2018 from NN Group in the Netherlands, where he was the CEO of the international insurance business, covering the European and Japanese markets. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Aviva UK & Ireland General Insurance. As Prudential's COO his ambit was to ensure that the company has a scalable and efficient operating model to deliver on the business’ strategic agenda.

Nic Nicandrou, Chief Executive of PCA, said of Spencer's appointment: "I am delighted to announce that Robin will take on the important role of CEO of Prudential Life Assurance (Thailand). 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."

Prudential has a 12 percent share of Thailand's mutual fund market and earlier in March this year, signed a strategic, long-term bancassurance partnership with Bangkok-based TMB Bank. TMB is the seventh largest bank in Thailand, with a customer base of approximately nine million. Spencer's appointment on the heels of the agreement may signal plans for further expansion into Thailand's asset management sector.

Calling Thailand a "significant growth market for Prudential in Asia", Spencer said that the partnerships put Prudential Thailand in a good position to grow further in the country.