Fidelity Life has announced a series of leadership appointments and distribution team changes as part of a wider strategy to strengthen adviser relationships and drive business growth.
The appointments follow recent updates to the company’s support tools, products, and engagement practices with advisers.
Fidelity Life said these changes are largely informed by industry feedback and reflect its ongoing focus on growing its adviser channel.
Chief commercial officer Bronwyn Kirwan said the company is making targeted investments in people and processes that will enhance the experience of working with Fidelity Life.
“We’re continuing to invest in growth by resourcing a highly skilled team whose purpose is to make it easier for advisers to do business with us,” she said. “These key people updates further strengthen our ability to serve the adviser community and will enable us to continue to bring much needed innovation to the life insurance industry.”
Craig Wagstaff (pictured above) will take up the role of head of individual life on June 9, reporting to Kirwan.
He replaces David Winspear, who recently moved into the position of chief operating officer.
Wagstaff’s responsibilities will cover all aspects of the company’s adviser distribution strategy, including strategic alliances, bancassurance, and digital partner channels. He brings experience from leadership positions at NZHL, AIA/Sovereign, and ASB.
Simon Millward (pictured immediately below) re-joins Fidelity Life as national partnerships manager – corporate and growth.
In this newly established role, Millward will oversee national and regional intermediary relationships, focusing on expanding the company’s presence through new channels. His prior roles with the company include head of service excellence and head of group insurance.
In Canterbury and Marlborough, Sam Paterson will start mid-April as the region’s new business manager. She previously worked with Farmers Mutual Group, where she held various positions over 13 years, most recently as area manager for Canterbury.
Two existing team members, Peter Warfield and Kirsty Michell, have been promoted to senior business managers.
The company also announced that Auckland business manager Kenny Kaushish will leave at the end of June to become a financial adviser. Recruitment for his replacement is underway.
Fidelity Life has also introduced a new group business manager role.
Rhys Knight joins from Suncorp New Zealand and will report to head of group insurance Anita Los’e. His background includes roles in digital support and group life business development.
Aside from making appointments and promotions, Fidelity Life has progressed its adviser development strategy through its Career connect initiative, which has recently seen its largest graduating class to date.
Twenty participants have completed the 2024 program, earning the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5), with an emphasis on life, health, and disability insurance. A majority of the graduates identified as women, and approximately one-quarter identified as Māori or Pasifika.
Michelle Doyle, head of solutions at Fidelity Life, said the program is designed to build a stronger pipeline of new advisers.
“Career connect is bringing passionate people to the industry and removing some of the barriers so we can help build the world’s best life risk advisers. Together, we’re growing for the good of New Zealand and helping more whānau understand and access the benefits of insurance protection,” she said.
Launched in 2023 as part of the broader Adviser Edge framework, the program has received more than 200 expressions of interest. Nearly 70 individuals have enrolled, and close to 40 have completed the qualification.
