AA Insurance has announced the appointment of Mark Ryland as an independent director on its board, effective immediately.
Ryland (pictured) brings extensive experience in financial services, having held key leadership positions in wealth management and operational strategy.
Currently the chief executive officer at Milford Asset Management, Ryland has led the firm for six years and plans to step down in May 2025 after more than a decade of service.
Alison Barrass, chair of AA Insurance, said that Ryland’s background in strategic leadership and risk management would contribute significantly to the company’s future direction.
“Mark’s outstanding set of skills and experience will be invaluable as we continue to execute our strategy and pursue our ambition to create more great experiences for our customers now and into the future,” she said.
Ryland’s career includes roles such as managing director at Brook Asset Management and chief operating officer at Macquarie Private Wealth. He has also held senior positions at ASB Group Investments and worked in the UK as assistant director of operations at Threadneedle Asset Management before moving to New Zealand in 2002.
See LinkedIn post here.
Ryland has joined AA Insurance after the appointment of Vanessa Leishman as the company’s chief risk officer, effective on Oct. 29.
Leishman replaced Helen McNeil, who now focuses exclusively on her position as CRO for Suncorp New Zealand, AA Insurance’s majority shareholder.
With over two decades of experience in risk management, Leishman’s career spans financial services, telecommunications, and media. Her prior roles include senior positions at ASB, ANZ, Spark New Zealand, Fairfax Media, and PwC.
This leadership change comes as the insurance sector faces heightened risks, including economic pressures, climate-related events, and cybersecurity threats.
AA Insurance has launched its first Gender Affirmation Policy to support employees navigating gender identity and expression.
The policy is tailored to the needs of individual employees and includes provisions such as gender-affirming leave, access to counselling services, and inclusive workplace facilities. It also supports employees through customised plans developed in consultation with leaders and HR teams.
Paula Williams, AA Insurance’s chief people officer, stated that the initiative aligns with the insurer’s broader commitment to inclusivity.
The move aligns AA Insurance with the Pride Pledge Gender Affirmation Policy register, which promotes transparency and accountability in workplace inclusivity.
Stephen Grey, a leader in the company’s rAAInbow Employee Action Group, explained that the policy is designed to accommodate the unique circumstances of each individual.
