Matthews appointed to head skills council

Friends Provident CEO Trevor Matthews has been appointed chairman of the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC).

As immediate past president of the Chartered Insurance Institute, Matthews has been an active advocate for developing skills, increasing professionalism and promoting career opportunities in the financial services sector.

He said: “Today’s economy is overwhelmingly driven by the knowledge and skills of individuals, and nowhere more so than in finance, accountancy and financial services. By working in full partnership with employers, professional bodies and education providers, we will ensure the sector is able to attract the talent and develop the skills needed to remain the world’s leading financial services centre.”

Liz Field, interim chief executive of the FSSC, said: “His appointment reflects our strategic approach, which places employers’ needs, experiences and involvement firmly at the centre of everything we do.”

Trevor Matthews has been CEO of Friends Provident since July 2008, having joined from Standard Life Assurance Limited where he was chief executive for four years.

Before joining Standard Life, he was president and CEO of Manulife Japan from 2001 to 2004.

The appointment follows the recent renewal by ministers of the FSSC's licence.