The increasing friction between Top Glory Insurance and American International Assurance (AIA) was sparked by Li Kwok-wah, AIA's former senior district director who moved to Top Glory taking more than 150 of AIA's salesmen with him.
Mr Li said yesterday that the agents followed him voluntarily and he had no idea how many more would decide to follow. Mr Li was in charge of 800 agents at AIA.
He had been at AIA for 23 years after he retired as a professional soccer player at the age of 26 in 1973.
He said his departure was not linked to recent management changes at AIA but stemmed from a feeling Top Glory's management style was more suitable for him.
'Top Glory is a new company and is managed by experienced and creative local staff,' he said.
'I think I will have more opportunities to grow my business here.' Andrew Yang Fang-shing, executive vice-chairman and president of Top Glory, said other outstanding salesmen could expect a call from the company.ENOCH YIU
