Skandia International, part of [tag|Old Mutual Wealth|]Old Mutual Wealth[/tag], has appointed Matthew Firman as an area manager for Africa in a bid to build its team in the region.

Skandia International, part of Old Mutual Wealth, has appointed Matthew Firman as an area manager for Africa in a bid to build its team in the region.

Firman will be responsible for increasing Skandia International’s local distribution support. He will focus on developing relationships with Old Mutual Africa, local IFAs and banks with the aim to broaden Skandia International’s reach in the area, Skandia said in a statement yesterday.

Firman joins from Friends Provident International where he was a senior regional sales manager for Africa. Prior to this, he held sales roles at MetLife Europe and The Hartford Life.

“Matthew’s appointment will help re-enforce our presence in Africa and help us achieve our ambitious growth plans in the region.  The growth potential in the area is significant, and we remain committed to servicing and developing our business in Africa,” said Brendan Dolan, head of Middle East and Africa Region, Skandia International.

Skandia International is part of Old Mutual Wealth, a retail investment business that oversees £80.2 billion ($135.6 billion) in customer investments as of March 2014.