MetLife, the global financial services and insurance company, has appointed Peter Smyth as regional managing director of Asia Pacific for its international operations.

Mr Smyth previously served as the head of the international business at The Hartford in the US, covering the firm's operations in Europe, Brazil, Canada, Japan and Bermuda. Prior to that, he oversaw pensions, life, funds management and distribution units in Asia and Australia for ING-Asia Pacific.

Metlife has over 70 million customers worldwide, serving both individual and institutional customers with financial service solutions, including protection planning, finance advice and investments.

The appointment of Mr Smythe is intended to complement MetLife International's goal of building a global MetLife brand, particularly in the Asian region. Its international business has a client base of more than 18 million, with Asian operations covering Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.