Ex-Boots CFO set for move to Friends Provident

Jim Smart is set to join
Friends Provident as its new FD
later this year. He will join the financial services company on 13 November,
taking over from Philip Moore.

Smart, formerly group CFO at Boots
Group before its merger with Alliance Unichem, will also join the board of
directors on 1 January 2007, subject to FSA approval.

Moore will succeed Keith Satchell as group chief executive and will also take
up his new position from 1 January 2007. Former chief exec Satchell will retire
from the board at the end of January 2007.

Sir Adrian Montague, chairman of Friends Provident, said: ‘The appointment of
Jim Smart successfully completes the succession process we began following the
announcement of Keith Satchell’s retirement, and we are delighted to welcome him
to Friends Provident.

‘As part of previously successful management teams he already has a proven
track record for delivering sound strategic and effective management to growing
businesses with extensive experience in both retail and financial services.’

Commenting on his new role Smart said: ‘Friends Provident is a highly
successful group with determined growth aspirations coupled with a strong
culture for delivering high quality customer service. I am looking forward to
working alongside Philip Moore and the board to drive the business further
forward.’

Further reading:

Friends Provident reviews its OFR

Accounting changes hit Friends
Provident

Friends Provident FD to take on top job