The group chief executive and executive director of Great Eastern Holdings is stepping down.
Mr Christopher Wei, 46, is leaving to take up a post with insurer Aviva, where he will be chief executive for global life insurance and Asia chairman.
His last day with Great Eastern (GE) will be on Sept 30.
GE has started searching for a new group chief executive and will make an announcement as soon as the candidate has been selected, it said yesterday.
Company chairman Norman Ip will assume an executive role and oversight during the leadership transition.
Mr Wei said in a statement yesterday he was "honoured" to have led GE over the past three years. "My decision to leave has been strongly influenced by personal factors and geography and the desire to spend more time with family in Hong Kong. It was a difficult decision for me, but I leave knowing that the business is in excellent shape and in capable hands.
"I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished, and I am convinced that GE will continue to be an increasingly strong force in the financial services industry."
Mr Wei, who is a Canadian, was previously a member of the group executive committee of AIA and chief executive of AIG United Guaranty Insurance in Hong Kong.
He described his new role with Aviva as a "superb opportunity". "I cannot imagine a more exciting time to be joining this vibrant and ambitious company."
GE has received many accolades and strengthened its brand under Mr Wei's stewardship, said Mr Ip. This included being named Life Insurance Company of the Year at the Asia Insurance Industry Awards in both 2011 and 2013.
"The board and I would like to acknowledge Chris' many contributions to the success of the company and wish him well in his future endeavours."
This article was first published on June 27, 2014.
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