03 Apr 2025

Prudential plc announces appointment of new Regional CEO as Solmaz Altin departs to return to Europe

Prudential plc (“Prudential”) is today announcing the appointment of John Cai, as Regional CEO for Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, and Agency.

John’s appointment follows the decision by Solmaz Altin, Regional CEO for Growth Markets, Health and Agency, to return to Europe so his children can complete their critical schooling years closer to family. Solmaz’s resignation has prompted a reshaping of the Group Executive Committee (GEC)’s responsibilities to reflect the size of the growth opportunity, with two new regional CEO roles being created. Solmaz will remain as an advisor to the company.

John will join the business and the GEC on 7 April 2025. Based in Hong Kong, he will report to Prudential plc CEO Anil Wadhwani.

John has spent the past two decades leading large insurance companies across Asia including as Group Regional Chief Executive of AIA with responsibility for China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Myanmar, where he also led the transformation of the business and agency model. Prior to AIA, he was the CEO of AXA Hong Kong.

Solmaz will remain with the business until the second half of 2025 and will work with John and the rest of the GEC to ensure a thorough handover.

Commenting on the announcements, Prudential plc CEO Anil Wadhwani said: “Firstly, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Solmaz for his impactful contribution to Prudential. In his three years with us, Solmaz has been driving the growth and profitability of his 15 markets, most visible in the turnaround of our business in Indonesia. He has been instrumental in developing and implementing the company’s transformation strategy, including leading our technology transformation. Solmaz has also made a significant impact setting up our Health business and reinvigorating our Agency capability.

“His work has undoubtably set the foundation for our future success. He has been a valued member of the Prudential family and we wish him the greatest success in his future endeavours.

“In John, we have hired a true industry expert. The wealth and breadth of his experience will be a real asset to us and we look forward to welcoming him to the business.”

Following Solmaz’s departure, the Regional CEOs responsibilities will be allocated as follows:

• John Cai, as Regional CEO for Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, with responsibility for Agency;
• A new Regional CEO for India, Africa, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, with responsibility for Health, will be announced in due course;
• Dennis Tan will continue as Regional CEO for Singapore and Thailand with responsibility for Partnership Distribution; and 
• Angel Ng remains the Regional CEO for Greater China with responsibility for Customer and Wealth.

ENDS

About Prudential plc

Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa. Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.

Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.