Global insurance and financial services groups are setting out senior leadership changes affecting their operations in Asia, with Aon plc, Bupa Hong Kong, and Prudential plc naming new appointees across client, health, and board roles in the region.

Aon appoints enterprise client leader for Asia-Pacific

Aon plc has appointed Kulshaan Singh (pictured) as enterprise client leader for Asia-Pacific, effective immediately, with the position based in Singapore. In the role, Singh will work with enterprise and large multinational clients across Asia-Pacific on risk capital and human capital needs, drawing on Aon’s regional and global capabilities to support corporate programmes. He reports to Craig Torgius, chief client officer and head of enterprise clients, Asia-Pacific. “Kulshaan brings a rare blend of strategic acumen with strong execution ability, global insight, and local expertise to our Asia-Pacific team. His ability to lead transformation, foster collaboration, and deliver results across diverse industries will be invaluable in helping clients navigate an increasingly complex risk landscape,” Torgius said.

Singh has more than two decades of experience in consulting and executive leadership. His previous roles include managing director for talent solutions for Southeast Asia at Aon, CEO of Mercer Singapore, and chief people officer at Charoen Pokphand Group. Most recently, he was global group chief people officer at Thai Union Group, where he worked on organisation design, succession, and leadership alignment initiatives. Singh, rejoining Aon in this regional capacity, said: “I feel privileged and excited to be back at Aon and look forward to working closely with Aon’s global and local teams to deliver solutions that help clients navigate complexity and interconnected challenges.”

Bupa Hong Kong moves to new managing director

Bupa Hong Kong has named Antonio Cantó as managing director, effective January 2026 and subject to regulatory approval. He will oversee Bupa Hong Kong’s health insurance business alongside its healthcare services operations, with responsibility for aligning financing and care delivery under a single leadership structure. Cantó has more than 30 years of experience in health insurance and healthcare management across Europe and Latin America. Within Bupa Group, he previously served as general manager of Bupa Chile, following nearly 12 years with Sanitas Seguros in Spain in strategic and operational roles, including work on private medical insurance product development and service models.

The Hong Kong business introduced his appointment through a social media announcement that referred to his long tenure within Bupa and Sanitas and his emphasis on teamwork and organisational culture. Setting out his view of the role, Cantó said: “I am thrilled to join an incredible team in such a dynamic city. Our core purpose at Bupa is profoundly human – to help people live better, healthier, and happier lives and to make a better world. We see tremendous growth potential in Hong Kong and beyond as we strive to become the number one healthcare provider for our customers.”

Cantó has also described health as central to changes in how care is organised and supported. Guided by his belief that “health is a key element that can change paradigms in people’s lives through technology, innovation, and health management, for both prevention and treatment,” he has been involved in initiatives related to connected care and private medical insurance offerings in Chile. Cantó holds a law degree from the Complutense University of Madrid and an MBA from IE Business School.

Prudential prepares for board chair succession

Prudential plc has detailed its succession plan for the chair of its board. Sir Douglas Flint CBE will join as a non-executive director and chair-designate and is expected to succeed Shriti Vadera as chair following the company’s annual general meeting on May 28. Vadera plans to step down from the board after six years in the role. Prudential said Flint is expected, subject to regulatory approval, to join the board in March, allowing for a transition period ahead of Vadera’s departure. He will also serve on the Nomination & Governance Committee and the Remuneration Committee.

Flint spent more than 20 years with HSBC, including as group finance director from 1995 to 2010 and as group chair from 2010 to 2017. Since 2018, he has chaired Abrdn plc and IP Group plc. Senior independent director Jeremy Anderson, who led the search, said: “After a full search, I’m delighted Douglas will become the next chair of Prudential. He brings extensive experience leading global financial institutions, alongside deep experience in Asia, and is ideally positioned to lead the next stage of the group’s development, taking forward the strong foundations and momentum created during Shriti’s tenure. His background and skills will be of great value as we work to bring the best of Prudential to our investors, customers, colleagues, and the communities within which we operate.”

Commenting on Vadera’s retirement, Anderson said: “During Shriti’s time as chair, Prudential has fundamentally transformed from a global insurance and asset management holding company, to a business focused on serving the growing needs of markets in Asia and Africa. I am hugely grateful to her for the way she has so ably led the board and the company through this complex transition, creating a fast-growing diversified business with improving performance, strong corporate, and performance culture and major market presence in many Asian markets. The board, management, and company are very grateful for her leadership and vision and wish her every success for the future.” Prudential CEO Anil Wadhwani said: “Douglas brings extremely valuable expertise to the board and his deep knowledge of Asia is particularly important for the company. I look forward to working with him to shape the next phase of Prudential’s growth. I am personally deeply grateful for Shriti’s leadership, counsel, and support in the last few years.”

Flint said: “Being able to help shape the next stage of Prudential’s development is a great privilege, and I look forward to working together with the board, Anil, and the whole team to deliver great experience to customers, and real value to shareholders and wider stakeholders. This is such an exciting time to be joining. The business is well placed to meet the needs of our customers and to expand the provision of protection, health, and savings solutions to currently under-served markets.” Vadera added: “I am delighted Douglas will succeed me as we complete the delivery of our current transformation plan and start to consider the next phase of Prudential’s growth strategy. His deep understanding of global finance and extensive knowledge of Prudential’s markets will be invaluable as we deliver for our investors, customers, communities, and employees.”