AEGON UK CEO to Retire; New Head Named

AEGON N.V., the Dutch financial services and insurance giant, announced that David Henderson, Chief Executive of AEGON UK, who will turn 60 later this month, will retire from his position in March 2005 as scheduled. Otto Thoresen (48), currently Finance Director of AEGON UK, will become the new Chief Executive.

Henderson joined Scottish Equitable in 1971 and was appointed Chief Executive in 1997. He has been Chief Executive of AEGON UK since its formation in January 1999. “During his career as Chief Executive AEGON UK has experienced significant growth,” said the announcement.” It noted that he had been the “driving force behind AEGON UK’s expansion into distribution through the acquisition of several of the UK’s leading independent financial advisory groups.”

Donald J. Shepard, Chairman of the Executive Board, commented: “We are very grateful to David Henderson whose extensive knowledge of the industry and dedication to our organization have contributed substantially to the success of AEGON UK for many years. David’s leadership has ensured that the company is in a strong position to benefit from the growth opportunities in the long- term savings market in the UK. At the same time, we congratulate Otto Thoresen on his appointment as Chief Executive and we are confident that he will build on David’s success.”

Thoresen was appointed Finance Director of AEGON UK in 2000. He first joined Scottish Equitable in 1978, and has worked closely with Henderson to implement a significant restructuring program within AEGON UK over the last 18 months. He will formally take over as CEO on April 1, 2005.

Mark Laidlaw (38), who joined AEGON UK in 1988, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of AEGON UK, effective April 1, 2005.