The London-headquartered financial services group has filled the role vacated by Jackie Hunt last year.

Prudential has appointed John Foley as chief executive for UK and Europe following an internal and external search.

Foley was appointed interim CEO of Prudential UK & Europe in October last year after Jackie Hunt stepped down after two years at the helm. Foley, who joined Prudential in 2000, was previously the group's investment director and, before that, chief risk officer.

Based in London, he will continue to be responsible for Prudential Capital and Prudential Portfolio Management Group.

“John has played a huge role in the group’s success in recent years. He helped to steer the group through the financial crisis as chief risk officer and has gone on to strengthen our investment oversight as group investment director,” said Mike Wells, group CEO of Prudential.

“He will be able to deploy his leadership skills and exceptional knowledge of the investment landscape to provide the best possible outcomes for our shareholders and our millions of customers in the UK.”

Prudential is listed on stock exchanges in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and New York.