Chris Divito is to depart Friends Provident International on 31 July 2019 following a reorganisation of the UAE business, just two years after joining the company.
Divito became managing director of the Middle East and Africa at FPI in July 2017, having previously worked at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Standard Life.
Not related to the sale
His arrival at the company came just weeks after it was announced RL360 was to acquire FPI from its parent company Aviva.
Steve Weston, interim chief executive of FPI emphasised that “the changes we are making to the management of the UAE operation are not related to the sale of the FPI business to RL360”.
The delayed acquisition is understood to be progressing.
Challenging two years
Commenting on his departure, Divito said: “It has been an exciting and challenging two years and we have made great progress in improving the efficiency of the business.
“We have at times had to make some tough decisions and I am very proud of the way our people have stepped up.
“The results have been very impressive and FPI in Dubai is well placed for the next phase of development under new leadership,” Divito said.
Interim replacement
Adnan Lateef, currently finance business partner for FPI’s Middle East and Africa operation, has been appointed interim general manager, subject to regulatory approval.
He will assume overall responsibility for the Middle East and Africa business following Divito’s departure.
Lateef added: “Chris has put in place a very strong team. I am looking forward to building on his legacy, and to continuing to deliver a first-class service to our business partners and customers in the region.”
