By Lorna Tan, Finance Correspondent

THE timing of Mr Mark O'Dell's shock departure from insurer AIA Singapore had financial circles buzzing yesterday.

The announcement of Mr O'Dell's resignation on Thursday night caught market observers and most of AIA's 4,000 agents completely by surprise. The initial reaction from many was one of disbelief.

Many also expressed disappointment that he had opted to jump ship to rival Manulife Financial in the middle of a crisis of confidence at AIA.

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