FWD Group (FWD) announced on October 21 the appointment of Jon Nielsen as managing director and group chief financial officer (CFO).
Craig Merdian, who previously held the position of group CFO, has assumed a new role within FWD’s group of businesses, overseeing the financial growth of new ventures across the region. He will work closely with Nielsen to ensure a smooth handover.
Huynh Thanh Phong, chief executive officer of FWD Group, says, “We are delighted to welcome Nielsen to FWD to lead our group finance functions, building on the success established by Merdian.”
“Nielsen’s impressive track-record in the industry makes him a valuable addition to the group’s executive team. As he takes responsibility for FWD’s financial management and governance functions, his leadership will allow the continued development of our business,” he adds.
Nielsen brings extensive international and regional experience from within the insurance sector, undertaking senior financial management positions at both group and regional leadership levels.
He joins FWD from AIA Group, where he was most recently the group chief risk officer and a member of the group executive committee, overseeing the group’s risk and compliance functions. Previously, he served as regional CFO leading the finance function in establishing AIA as a listed company. Prior to this, he held senior roles at AIG in New York, Allianz in Munich, and Deloitte & Touche in the US and Hong Kong.