Fidelity Life has named Simona Turin (pictured above) as director and Chris Marston-Fergusson as appointed actuary (AA).
Turin is a digital and technology specialist who holds directorship duties with software companies Planday and Nomos One. She is also Xero’s executive general manager of business products, where she is responsible for leading the global teams in building innovations to help small businesses.
Turin previously held senior digital roles at Air New Zealand and Spark Ventures. She is fluent in four languages, having lived on four continents.
Fidelity Life chair Brian Blake said Turin’s strong problem-solving skills and diverse background will bring a fresh perspective to the board.
“Simona has extensive experience leading organisations through complex change such as mergers and acquisitions, strategic realignment, and industry disruptions, and will be a real asset as we continue delivering our customer-led transformation,” Blake said.
Marston (pictured directly above) will hold the role of appointed actuary, a position unique to licensed insurers under the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act.
An internal promotion, Marston was previously senior actuary, a role he held since 2019. He has more than 20 years’ actuarial experience, including five years in the United Kingdom and local roles at ANZ and AMP.
Chief financial officer Simon Pennington said it has been a huge advantage to promote internal talent, especially amid a country-wide skills shortage and during a time of significant change for the company and industry.
“As we work through the ongoing regulatory and legislative changes to our sector and continue the integration of Fidelity Insurance (previously Westpac Life) following our acquisition of the business in February, the strategic importance of the AA is more important than ever,” Pennington said. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Chris in a number of roles and have always been amazed by his technical skills and ability to translate complex situations and terminologies with ease. I’m thrilled to have him in the AA role, helping keep us accountable, and ensuring the business is well equipped to protect New Zealanders over the long term.”
Marston succeeded John Smith, who retired after 22 years in the role.
“John has been central to the company’s evolution and has seen the business through some very complex projects such as the acquisition of Tower’s books in 2013 and more recently, Westpac Life,” Pennington said. “We will forever be grateful for John’s enormous contribution and thank him for all his hard work over the last two decades.”
