Pru poaches Standard Life executive to head UK and European unit Prudential has poached the finance director of rival insurer Standard Life to head its UK and European business, filling the gap soon to be left with the departure of Rob Devey. Jackie Hunt on Friday resigned as Standard Life's chief financial officer and stepped down from its board, in preparation to replace Mr Devey at the helm of the Pru's UK and European division when he leaves at the end of October. The news triggered the temporary suspension of trading in the Pru's shares in Hong Kong, due to the fact that the announcement involved market-sensitive information. The FTSE 100 insurer is listed in Hong Kong and London and usually delays its London stock market announcements until after the Asian index is closed. Its London shares were not suspended and were 0.7 per cent higher in morning trading at £10.99. Mr Devey has headed the Pru's UK and European business since 2010, and the insurer said that he was leaving the group "to pursue new opportunities." The UK business has emerged from challenging macroeconomic conditions in excellent health and with a clear, focused strategy for the future. The time is right for me to pursue the next stage in my career," said Mr Devey. Ms Hunt, 44, has served as Standard Life's finance director since 2009 and previously held management roles at Royal & Sun Alliance and Aviva. The Pru said that Ms Hunt would receive a salary of £625,000 with a bonus of up to 160 per cent of her basic pay. Jackie joins Prudential with a proven track record of delivery in the highly competitive UK insurance market. I am delighted that a person of her talent and experience is joining the group," said Tidjane Thiam, the Pru chief executive. Standard Life said that it had begun its search to replace Ms Hunt. Standard Life shares fell 1.6 per cent to 385.8p in early trading.