PruPim Asia promotes CIO Scott Girard to CEO

After two years as chief executive of Prudential's real-estate investment arm in Asia, Alex Hambly is handing over the role to chief investment officer Scott Girard.

Hambly will focus on his post as CEO of Prudential's private-equity businesses in Asia, while Girard, who joined PruPim three years ago, retains his regional CIO duties. Both are based in Singapore.

PruPim invests in a range of real estate assets across the region, including prime office and retail properties, such as Westfield Doncaster in Melbourne and Tennoz First Tower and Shinagawa ward in Tokyo.

There are no current plans for further hires, says a spokesman. When asked if the changes are related to Prudential's proposed takeover of AIA, he declined to comment.

Previously based in Japan and Korea for property company Jones Lang Lasalle, Girard has been involved in investments, corporate finance, research and property advisory at senior levels. He started his career in Australia in 1995 with ANZ Funds Management before working in a consultancy.

There have been several other changes in senior management within the Prudential group in Asia in the past few months. Graham Mason transferred from South Africa to Hong Kong in January as fund management CEO for Asia, following the departure of Arne Lindman to US asset manager Fidelity. And, in February, Lee Won-Ki joined from KB Asset Management to replace Hwang Sung-Ho as head of Prudential's South Korean fund-management business.