Mike Leeson, who is currently head of sales in Hong Kong and northeast Asia, will transfer back the UK to take on the new role.
Leeson will lead the transformation activities across Old Mutual’s international business, and will also have responsibility for managing relationships with global key accounts.
“There is increasing demand from financial advisers in a number of markets for support to help them transition their business and adapt to changing regulation and customer needs,” the company said in a statement.
Regulatory pressures
“Regulation is the biggest driver of change in many regions, and advisers need to stay ahead if they are to grow and prosper in the new world,” it said.
Leeson has been a senior member of the distribution team in Hong Kong for the past eight years, being head of sales for the last five. Prior to moving to Hong Kong, Leeson was with Old Mutual Wealth in the UK for nine years.
Marcel Bradshaw, sales director, Old Mutual International said: “We want to lead the way in helping international advisers transition and evolve their business models for the future. Mike’s knowledge of the international business and his passion for supporting advisers and raising the bar for customers makes him an ideal candidate for this role.”
Mark Christal, the current Hong Kong general manager, will increase his responsibilities to become regional head of northeast Asia and Hong Kong chief executive. Christal has been in Hong Kong for 11 years and has over 20 years’ experience in the business.