The newly appointed chief executive officer of Friends Life has visited the Isle of Man to meet staff at the company's international arm.

Andy Briggs, who joined the firm on June 1, called in at the Castletown headquarters of Friends Provident International.

The company says Mr Briggs has significant experience of global financial services, working with international intermediaries during 19 years with the Prudential Group, culminating with his role as CEO of the retirement income business.

He joined Friends Life from Lloyds Banking Group, where he was CEO of Scottish Widows and CEO of the group's General Insurance business.

This month Mr Briggs will also visit Friends Provident International's offices in the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and Singapore.