Acenda Group says Chris de Bruin will join as CEO after its acquisition of Resolution Life Australasia is completed.

Mr de Bruin has more than 25 years’ financial services experience, including senior roles in Australia and overseas.

He was Westpac consumer and business banking chief executive until March last year, according to his LinkedIn.

Before that, he was CEO of Deem Finance, a non-bank financial institution in the Middle East. He has also worked at Standard Chartered Bank and McKinsey & Company.

Acenda Group is controlled by Nippon Life, the Japanese insurer that last December announced an $US8.2 billion ($12.65 billion) purchase of Resolution Life. Bermuda-based Resolution has operations in the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand.

The acquisition is expected to close in the second half, pending regulatory approvals.

“Under Mr de Bruin’s leadership, I believe the Acenda Group will enhance its position in the market while consistently delivering exceptional service and value to its policyholders,” Nippon Life president Satoshi Asahi said. “I look forward to supporting him as he embarks on this important journey to lead our Australian and New Zealand operations.”

Acenda CEO Kent Griffin and Resolution Life Australasia CEO Tim Tez will remain with the company for a period to support Mr de Bruin.