Suncorp New Zealand has announced two new additions to its board of directors, with Alison Barrass (pictured above left) and Kate Jorgensen (pictured above right) joining as independent directors.
The additional governance and financial skills brought by the duo to the board was described by Suncorp New Zealand board chair David Flacks as invaluable, considering the “strong customer focus seen in their current and previous directorships.”
“I am really excited to have them join us,” Flacks said.
Barrass’ expertise lies in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, as well as in governance, leadership, and market-leading innovation. She also has operational and leadership experience, having held a number of CEO roles in the past.
At present, Barass primarily works with New Zealand-based businesses investing in digitisation and international growth. She is a director with Spark NZ, Rockit Apples, and is chair of Tom & Luke and Babich Wines. She has a bachelor of science degree from the University of Southampton and a business diploma in marketing from the University of Auckland.
Jorgensen has significant financial, audit and commercial experience, having held a number of senior leadership roles within the telecommunications, infrastructure and commercial industries. She also has governance experience and was previously an Audit and Risk Committee member. She is currently a non-executive director on Chorus and a board trustee on the Dingle Foundation.
Prior to taking on her current roles, Jorgensen was the CFO of Vodafone New Zealand. She has also worked as CFO of KiwiRail, CFO of Fletcher Building’s infrastructure division, and a senior audit manager for KPMG. She has a master’s degree in technological futures and a bachelor of business degree (major in accounting). She is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a chartered member of the Institute of Directors.
