The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has introduced new leadership with the election of Kent Griffin, CEO of MLC Life Insurance, as its new co-chair.
Griffin will serve alongside existing co-chair Damien Mu, CEO of AIA Australia, marking a strategic leadership shift within CALI as it also welcomes three new board members.
Griffin (pictured) steps into the role previously held by Brett Clark, who recently accepted a role as CEO for Asia Pacific at TAL’s parent company, Dai-ichi Life, after nearly a decade as group CEO of TAL.
Griffin, who brings more than 30 years of experience in both domestic and international financial services, stated that he looks forward to working within CALI to support the life insurance industry’s evolving needs.
“It’s a pivotal time for our industry, and CALI’s an essential part of driving better outcomes for the millions of people Australia’s life insurers serve every day,” he said.
“Kent is well known in our industry as an accomplished and respected leader,” said CALI CEO Christine Cupitt. “He’s a wonderful fit for our board, and we’re thrilled with this appointment.”
Cupitt expressed appreciation for Clark’s efforts, saying that his leadership was instrumental in building CALI’s influence as an industry voice in Australia.
“Brett has played a fundamental role in establishing CALI and ensuring its success as the leading and trusted voice of life insurance in Australia. We thank him for his invaluable contribution, expertise, and guidance,” she said.
Clark reflected on CALI’s growth, adding: “It has been a privilege to have played a role in the establishment of CALI and see its early work benefit customers and the community. I congratulate Kent on his appointment and wish him, Damien, and the entire board and CALI team well in the future.”
Three new directors have also joined the CALI board, including:
These new appointments expand the board’s representation and bring diverse expertise across Australia’s life insurance industry.
Cupitt highlighted the importance of these appointments in furthering CALI’s goals.
“We look forward to working with these impressive industry leaders to ensure that Australians of all walks of life view our industry as accessible, understandable, and trusted,” she said.
Tyson Johnston, who recently stepped down from his position as Pacific Life Re’s managing director of protection for Asia Pacific, has also retired from the CALI board after two years of service.
“Tyson has been the consistent voice of reinsurers across our membership, and we thank him for his valuable contributions and his service, which came at such an important time for our organisation,” Cupitt said.
The appointments come amid legislative changes in the Australian life insurance sector.
CALI recently voiced support for new legislation that prohibits life insurers from using genetic testing results in underwriting. The formal ban replaces a 2019 voluntary moratorium and aims to prevent genetic discrimination.
The Australian government’s recent decision, welcomed by various sectors including insurance and healthcare, seeks to ensure that consumers’ genetic data will not affect life insurance eligibility or pricing.
