The selection of the Ivory Coast-born executive will been seen as a coup by diversity activists, as he joins only a handful of FDs from ethnic minorities in the FTSE 100.

Thiam joined Aviva from consulting firm McKinsey in November 2002, and was appointed chief executive of its European arm in January last year.

Commenting on the appointment, Mark Tucker, Prudential group CEO, said: ‘I am truly delighted to welcome Tidjane to Prudential. His diverse background and experience mean that he is well-suited to help lead Prudential to the next stage of its development.’

Thiam is expected to take up his role in April 2008 when Broadley officially leaves.
At present, Broadley has given no indication of his next port of call. Reports said that an internal memo sent out by Broadley had said he wanted to consider all of the choices open to him before making any decisions. Broadley’s tenure as chair of the Hundred Group is also drawing to a close.