Sir Nigel Rudd in frame for Prudential job Sir Nigel Rudd, 65, is believed to be the favourite to lead Britain's biggest insurer. He is thought to lead the other frontrunner Glen Moreno, the 68-year old Pearson chairman. Prudential is anxious to fill the vacancy after Harvey McGrath opted to step down after a stormy period as chairman. He faced a backlash from shareholders over the contentious bid for AIA, the Asian insurer, and demands to keep a tighter rein on Tidjane Thiam, Pru's ambitious chief executive. Sir Nigel - who boasts an extensive background of executive posts in manufacturing and financial services - is seen as an ideal candidate to provide strong leadership for Prudential. But some investors are questioning whether he has the appetite to undertake a demanding assignment that could involve Prudential relocating to Hong Kong to escape a tougher EU regulatory regime. Prudential has been dropping hints that it is in the market for a new chairman with Asian business experience, one of the few gaps in Sir Nigel's career portfolio. He co-founded Williams Holdings, has been deputy chairman of Barclays, chaired Boots and Pilkington, is currently chairman of airports operator BAA and Invensys, and heads the organisation running the Government's Business Growth Fund. Mr Moreno, who earned his banking spurs during 20 years with Citigroup, has support among investors wanting to see an experienced financier at the helm. He was at one stage in line to succeed Sir Win Bischoff as chairman of Lloyds Banking Group but leaves the board at this year's annual meeting.