Jim Smart new Group FD at Friends Provident

Friends Provident plc announced yesterday the appointment of Jim Smart as group finance director. He joins Friends Provident on 13 November taking over from Philip Moore and will be joining the board on 1 January 2007, subject to FSA approval.

Jim Smart joins from Boots Group plc, where he was group chief financial officer before the merger with Alliance Unichem.

Sir Adrian Montague, the 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 Jim 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.”