Aviva Asia has appointed Yu Ning (Richard) as president of Aviva-COFCO Life Insurance, its joint venture in China.

Yu has been interim president of Aviva-COFCO since August 2013. During this time, he has made a significant contribution to the joint venture's development, as shown by the 144% increase in value of new business to US$33 million in the six months to June 30 2014, compared to the previous year.

A graduate of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China, with a degree in international finance, he also holds an EMBA from The China Europe International Business School in Shanghai. Prior to being named interim president, Yu held the position of chief financial officer for five years.