RSA's new Asia Middle East chief joins from Aviva

RSA has appointed Stuart Purdy as its new chief executive for the Asia and Middle East region (AME).

Purdy is currently director of products and investment for Aviva Europe and Middle East, responsible for Aviva’s pan-European investment, reinsurance and insurance carriers.

He will join RSA in May to replace Jon Hancock, who has acted as interim AME chief executive since March, 2010.

Paul Whittaker, chief executive of RSA emerging markets said: “I am pleased to welcome Stuart to RSA. He has a proven track record of delivering growth and business results and understands both the insurance world and the AME region."

Purdy added: “I am delighted to be joining the RSA's high quality team as we build and develop our businesses across Asia and the Middle East. With eight operations in key markets, RSA is extremely well placed to take advantage of the growth opportunities that exist in the region.”