Suncorp has appointed Kate Armstrong (pictured) as an independent director of its New Zealand board, encompassing Vero New Zealand Insurance Limited, Vero Liability Insurance Limited, and Asteron Life Limited.
Armstrong spent seven years at Westpac up to 2016, having held roles such as head of legal for Westpac’s Institutional Bank, head of insurance and investments, and chief operating officer for the bank’s consumer & wealth division.
Most recently, Armstrong was a consultant for Westpac Life, leading its financial services conduct review programme. She is also a director and trustee of the New Zealand Housing Foundation and a board trustee for North Harbour Budgeting Services. Previously, she served on the Board of the Financial Services Council.
Armstrong holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University, Wellington.
According to Suncorp New Zealand chair David Flacks, the company has been reviewing its boards’ composition and skills mix since Geoff Ricketts retired in December 2019.
“We were particularly interested in a director who can enable strong customer outcomes across our life and general insurance businesses,” Flacks said.
“We have found an excellent candidate in Kate – she has extensive financial and legal expertise combined with a particular interest in helping New Zealanders build financially resilient lives. Her deep experience in banking has seen her take on both strategic and operational executive leadership roles and includes strong insurance experience.”
