Former journalist named adviser to Prudential chief

Jeff Randall, the veteran business journalist, is to become senior adviser to Tidjane Thiam, group chief executive of Prudential.

It is understood that he will provide business counsel and advice to the FTSE 100 chief executive. It is thought that part of his role will be to ensure Mr Thiam, who hails from C’ote d’Ivoire, becomes more ingrained in British business life.

Mr Randall, whose City career has spanned the past four decades, has held a range of senior roles across Fleet Street and beyond, including editor at large of The Daily Telegraph and editor of the relaunched Sunday Business newspaper. He was the BBC’s first business editor from 2001 to 2005.

One source likened the role to the one Irwin Stelzer, the economist, provided to Rupert Murdoch at News Corporation, acting an as external adviser, and general sounding board.

Another source pointed to the public censure imposed on Mr Thiam over the Prudential’s failed AIA bid by the Financial Services Authority as one area in which a senior external figure such as Mr Randall might have been able to provide advice.

Mr Randall is known to have signed a retainer contract, and will work no more than 40 days a year for Prudential.

It is his fourth role since “retiring” from journalism.

The other three are non-executive directorships of Babcock and Sandown Racecourse, and a seat on the Council of the University of Nottingham.

A Prudential spokesman confirmed the appointment, saying the insurer was “delighted” to have recruited Mr Randall into this new role.

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