AIA group chief executive Mark Tucker with football star David Beckham at AIA's summit in London, September 12, 2016. — Photo courtesy of AIA

AIA Group Limited, the largest independent public-listed pan-Asian life insurance group, on Thursday announced footballer David Beckham as its global ambassador.

The company has signed a multi-year agreement with Beckham, who, the company said, would support it in its goal of helping people in the Asia-Pacific region live longer, healthier, better lives.

Beckham will participate in a number of AIA’s community and business activities to personify and demonstrate the benefits and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These will include events for customers, agents, partners and employees, the company said.

The new role was created following the launch of AIA Vitality, which the company calls Asia’s first and only comprehensive science-backed wellness platform. AIA Vitality provides members with information, tools and motivation to help them take achievable steps to meet health goals and bring about long-term positive behavioural change towards maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

Mark Tucker, AIA’s group chief executive and president, said: “We are delighted to welcome David as AIA’s global ambassador. David is an incredibly successful global sports icon, a committed family man and is hugely respected for his longstanding community and charity work, most notably as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador over the past 12 years.”

“Joining the AIA family was an easy decision for me. I am a passionate believer in the value of wellness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and I share AIA’s commitment to encourage people to take charge of their health,” said Beckham. “I am looking forward to working closely with AIA and supporting the company’s efforts to improve the quality of people’s lives across the Asia-Pacific region.” — VNS