Wilson (pictured), who has served as Aviva CEO since 2013, is one of three appointments Blackrock says is part of a strategic approach to board composition and refreshment.
Prior to joining Aviva, Wilson worked in Asia for 14 years, including as CEO of AIA Group, a pan-Asian company.
William “Bill” Ford, CEO of General Atlantic, and Margaret “Peggy” Johnson, executive vice president of business development at Microsoft, have also been appointed as independent directors.
The hires will aim to balance “deep institutional and industry knowledge” with fresh perspectives on key areas of growth, according to the asset manager.
Blackrock said that the new directors’ global perspective and combined expertise in technology, financial services and fast-growing markets, such as Asia-Pacific, reflects the firm’s current and future priorities.
Laurence Fink, chairman and CEO of Blackrock, said the asset manager was “eager to benefit from their guidance and advice”.
“Peggy’s insights on technology and the innovation economy, Bill’s understanding of the changing financial services landscape, particularly as it relates to fintech and China, and Mark’s deep experience in financial services in Europe and Asia-Pacific will be a tremendous benefit to Blackrock’s management, clients and shareholders.”
The firm said a third of Blackrock’s directors have been newly elected over the past five years.
It said it considers diversity in gender, ethnicity, age, career experience and geographic location and has five female directors.
