Williamson to succeed Biggs as Resolution chairman

The life office has picked Friends Life chairman Sir Malcolm Williamson to lead the firm once it moves to a more simplified governance structure.

Friends Life chairman Sir Malcolm Williamson will take the helm at Resolution when Mike Biggs steps down later this year.

The transition will take place when the life office moves to a more simplified governance structure, which it outlined in August 2012.

Williamson has been chairman of Friends Life since February 2010. His career has also seen him have spells as chief executive of Standard Chartered and of Visa International and chairman of National Australia Group Europe and of Britannic Group.

Williamson will join the board of the company when the membership of the boards of the company and Friends Life Group are unified at the end of March 2013.

Phil Hodkinson, who led the nomination committee process, told the stockmarket: ‘Sir Malcolm brings a wealth of experience as a chairman to the role.

‘He has been instrumental in strengthening the senior management of Friends Life and the continuity of his leadership at this pivotal time in the development of business will ensure that the current operational progress is maintained.’