Gaurav Kumar takes over as Prudential AM CEO in Dubai

Prudential Corporation Asia's fund management business has named Gaurav Kumar as CEO of Prudential Asset Management Dubai. Kumar will be responsible for managing Prudential's asset management activities in Dubai and across the Middle East.

Kumar takes over from Singapore-based Suraj Mishra, who has been appointed regional director of partnership distribution at Prudential Corporation Asia, which is the life insurance side of the business. Prudential is still looking for a successor for Suraj's role on the retail side of the business.  

In his new role, Kumar will work closely with the board of the Dubai funds business and his senior management team to develop and execute a growth strategy for the business, as well as drive the design, marketing and promotion of products and services in the Middle East region. He was previously chief marketing officer of the business, responsible for sales and marketing activities since the business was established in late 2006.

Kumar has made a strong contribution to building the business in the region, leading institutional and wholesale/retail sales efforts and establishing a broad distribution network, says Arne Lindman, CEO for funds management in Asia.

 "The Middle East represents an important growth opportunity for our asset management business, particularly in leveraging our growing Islamic finance expertise and strong retail and wholesale distribution capabilities," says Lindman, who joined the fund house in May 2008.

Kumar has held a number of roles within Prudential across the Asia region, including as head of regional portfolio management services in Prudential Asset Management (Singapore) and head of product development and international business at ICICI Prudential Asset Management in India.