Friends Provident chief executive Trevor Matthews outlined his vision of a bright future for Friends Provident International (FPI).
Mr Matthews, who became CEO of Friends Provident in July 2008, spent most of his time meeting managers and staff from the Company's headquarters in Castletown.
He gave two talks at Port Erin Arts Centre and answered questions from many of FPI's 230 staff who attended his presentations.
He said, "2009 was a very difficult year in business right around the world, as was 2008.
"What we are very pleased about Friends Provident International is that business increased steadily quarter on quarter last year.
"This was a great result and our international businesses have a lot of potential. This visit is a great opportunity for me to meet our people and give a 'state of the nation' type address, but it also gives them a chance to ask me questions.
"Some of those questions were quite challenging, but listening to those questions, and answering them, is the part I enjoy most.
"This is the second time I've been here and I'm very happy with our operation in the Isle of Man."
He added that sales figures for 2009 reported recently by the company showed that its international businesses, which comprise FPI in the Isle of Man as well as businesses in Luxembourg and Malaysia, for the first time contributed more to the company than Friends Provident's UK operations.
Jonathan Hall, Director and General Manager of Friends Provident International, was delighted to welcome the group's CEO.
He said, "It's good to have the CEO recognise the importance and the significance of the international operation to the company as a whole.
"I can emphasise that message but it's even more powerful when the CEO arrives from London to endorse it."
During his trip Mr Matthews also learned more about FPI's policies on corporate responsibility and in particular reductions made in the company's carbon footprint, its participation in the Southern Befrienders' scheme and its role as an official partner for the Commonwealth Youth Games which the Isle of Man will host in 2011.
Sydney-born Mr Matthews, a keen cricket fan who went to the same school as Aussie fast-bowling legend Jeff Thomson, is also proud that Friends Provident will sponsor the t20 cricket league in England this year. There are plans to bring the Friends Provident t20 Trophy to the Isle of Man where it will be put on display.
