Waddams joined AIA NZ in 2017 as head of legal. Over the last five years, she has been instrumental in the acquisition and integration of the Sovereign business, and the portfolio transfer of the former AIA International NZ branch’s business into AIA NZ, as well as many other critical projects and business initiatives, the insurer said.
Prior to joining AIA, Waddams spent over 10 years as principal legal counsel at Barclays Bank and Absa Bank in South Africa and the UAE. From 2002 to 2005, she worked in several legal roles in London, and, prior to that, worked for Russell McVeagh in NZ.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Jackie’s calibre step into this vital role for the AIA NZ business,” said Nick Stanhope, AIA New Zealand CEO. “Jackie will lead our award-winning legal and regulatory affairs team and continue to deliver on AIA’s operating philosophy of doing the right thing, in the right way. I have every confidence she will ensure AIA NZ’s conduct and culture continues to reflect robust privacy and governance guidelines, and I look forward to seeing Jackie’s team continue to flourish under her leadership. This appointment is another great example of how AIA continues to develop and promote internal talent, and we look forward to welcoming Jackie onto the AIA NZ executive team.”
