Fidelity Life, the largest locally-owned life insurer in the country, has announced the appointments of Ruth Goldwater and Jacqui Allwright as acting chief operating officer and active chief people officer, respectively. Goldwater, head of delivery, and Allwright, head of people performance, will serve in these acting capacities for a six-month period.
The move comes as recently appointed acting CEO Ian Clancy fills in to lead the company, citing the need for strong internal leaders to ensure a seamless transition and maintain momentum in several key projects nearing completion.
Clancy said that having capable leaders within the company who can take charge immediately is a great advantage, as they can ensure a smooth handover and keep up the momentum.
“The next six months are crucial as several of our key projects near their conclusion, and we continue investing in our people at a time when skilled talent is in short supply,” Clancy said. “Both Ruth and Jacqui have been integral in driving our transformation program forward and I look forward to their experience, perspectives, and diversity of thought being added to the executive team.”
IGoldwater joined Fidelity Life in November 2021. She is responsible for delivering the Westpac Life integration and the IFRS-17 compliance program, which are part of Fidelity Life's transformation portfolio.
Allwright has been managing Fidelity Life's people function for a year, which includes updating the employee engagement program, talent development framework, and health and safety management plan. She is presently overseeing the implementation of a new HRIS platform.
Fidelity Life, the biggest locally owned life insurer in New Zealand, is marking its 50th anniversary in 2023.
With the support of local shareholders like the NZ Super Fund, Ngāi Tahu Holdings, and the Fidelity Family Trust, the company has paid out over $1.4 billion in claims since its establishment in 1973.
Fidelity Life protects more than 367,000 New Zealanders and distributes its products through a network of over 1,800 licensed and qualified financial advisers and strategic alliance partners.
