The London-headquartered financial services group is yet to appoint a permanent replacement for the vacated UK and Europe leadership position.

Prudential's chief executive for UK and Europe, Jackie Hunt, is stepping down after two years.

Hunt has headed up Prudential UK & Europe since September 2013, and took on responsibility for Africa early last year. She was previously chief financial officer at Standard Life.

Until a permanent successor is found, Prudential's group investment director, John Foley, will fill the role alongside his current duties.

“I would like to thank Jackie for the contribution she has made during a period of radical change in the UK marketplace. She leaves our UK life business in a strong position to continue to meet our customers’ long-term savings and retirement needs while delivering valuable returns for our shareholders,” said the group's chief executive, Mike Wells.

“I am also delighted that we have someone with the experience and expertise of John Foley to take the business forward until a permanent successor is appointed.”

The departure follows the recent appointment of Prudential's group finance director, Penelope James, as group chief risk officer.

Prudential is listed on the stock exchanges in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and New York. The group had £505 billion ($781 billion) of assets under management as of the end of June.