MetLife has appointed Peter Smyth as regional managing director of Asia Pacific for its international business, who will have responsibility for the company's operations in Australia, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan as well as oversight for direct marketing, bank distribution partnerships and other distribution relationships in the Asia Pacific region.

Mr Smyth has over 30 years of international insurance experience and has held senior leadership positions at global insurance companies. He was heading the International Business division at The Hartford in the US with responsibility for operations covering Japan, Brazil, Canada and Bermuda. He also spent over 10 years with ING-Asia Pacific responsible for operating life, pensions, funds management and distribution businesses across Asia and Australia.

Eugene Marks, executive vice president and head of the Asia Pacific region for MetLife, said. We are pleased to have Peter join our Asia Pacific management team. Peter is bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge of the Asia Pacific region to MetLife, which will be a great asset for the company as we continue to expand our leadership position in the region.

MetLife is a provider of insurance, employee benefits and financial services with operations in the US and in Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. MetLife companies offer life insurance, annuities, auto and home insurance, retail banking and other financial services to individuals.