Aetna Global Benefits names Mark Jardin Head of Middle East and Africa business

Jardin is now based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In this capacity, Jardin will lead the company's existing expatriate business in the Middle East and Africa. This includes a core focus on overall business development, including sales, retention, new market development and key constituent relationships.

"We are so pleased to have Mark take on this critical role," said Martha Temple, president of Aetna Global Benefits. "His vast experience in the expatriate space will help guide our continued successful growth in the region."

AGB currently provides comprehensive health benefits coverage for approximately 400,000 expatriates, third-country nationals and key local nationals located worldwide. In 2007, AGB acquired Goodhealth Worldwide, a leading provider of international private medical insurance for expatriates and high-net-worth individuals.

Goodhealth Worldwide, through its partnership with a locally licensed insurance company, Royal & SunAlliance, currently provides private health benefits coverage in the United Arab Emirates.

"I look forward to building strong, consultative partnerships with brokers, consultants and other important constituent groups in the region to meet the health benefits needs of our customers and their employees. With the powerful combination of our global presence and local footprint, we will continue to enhance the overall AGB experience through continued innovation, product development, first-class service and unparalleled customer retention and satisfaction."

said Jardin.

Jardin previously served as chief operating officer for AGB. In this role, Jardin was responsible for day-to-day operations within AGB, including customer and member operations, plan sponsor services, provider relations, medical management services and information technology.