Aegon UK's rebuilding under chief executive Adrian Grace has suffered a surprise setback with the immediate departure of group marketing director Paul McMahon to join growing software group FNZ.

Mr McMahon joined Aegon a year ago from Friends Life.

He will move to FNZ, which has a new headquarters in Edinburgh, as its first UK chief executive later this year. FNZ powers platform propositions for Axa, Standard Life, Zurich and Friends Life. Mr Grace said: "Due to the competitive nature of Paul's appointment at FNZ, he will leave Aegon UK immediately."