This follows the announcement on 3 July 2008 of his intention to retire.
Sir Adrian Montague, chairman of Friends Provident plc, said: "I thank Ben on behalf of the Board for his contribution over many years of productive service and success with Friends Provident. He has done a tremendous job recently easing the transition for Trevor Matthews into his role as chief executive officer. I am very grateful to Ben for staying on longer than he had originally planned and I wish him well for an enjoyable and well earned retirement."
