Fidelity Life has announced that Scott Pickering will assume the role of board chair starting Jan. 1.
The appointment was confirmed during the company’s annual general meeting on Nov. 20, following his earlier onboarding as a board member in July.
Pickering (pictured) brings a strong governance portfolio, holding leadership roles across various sectors.
He is chair of Evolution Healthcare and serves on the boards of Kiwibank, IAG New Zealand, and ASX-listed Insurance Australia Group. He is also an advisor to Bain & Co and HealthNow, with prior experience as ACC New Zealand’s chief executive and as a regional CEO for Willis Towers Watson overseeing operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Interim chair Lindsay Smartt, who will remain on the board as a director, said Pickering’s governance and industry expertise aligns with Fidelity Life’s growth ambitions.
“Since he joined us in July this year, he has clearly demonstrated the depth of his experience and leadership. This will be invaluable as we bring to life our three-year strategic plan and grow for the good of New Zealand,” she said.
CEO Campbell Mitchell welcomed Pickering’s appointment, emphasising the board’s confidence in his leadership. He also thanked Smartt for stepping in as interim chair following Brian Blake’s departure earlier in 2023.
The leadership change comes on the heels of Fidelity Life’s partnership with digital specialist Spark to strengthen its data protection and regulatory frameworks by implementing enhanced security measures using Microsoft Purview technology.
The collaboration aims to improve oversight of sensitive data and address the challenges of working in decentralised, cloud-based environments.
Fidelity Life’s shift toward remote work and cloud services has underscored the need for stronger data security solutions.
Workshops facilitated by Spark targeted key business areas, identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing compliance measures.
Tahira Begum, Fidelity Life’s governance, risk, and compliance lead, said the insurer is taking a strategic approach to safeguarding information.
Using Microsoft Purview tools, the company automated the process of classifying and protecting sensitive data, such as emails and documents. These measures have helped Fidelity Life ensure compliance with industry standards while identifying opportunities to strengthen data management practices.
A key focus of the initiative has been fostering employee awareness and understanding of security protocols through education and communication.
Spark’s general manager for managed services, Liz Urquhart, stressed the importance of aligning data governance strategies with practical tools to secure information and gain insights that support competitive goals.
As Fidelity Life updates its policies, it plans to continue reinforcing a culture of accountability around data protection.
The company’s leadership encouraged other organisations to evaluate their data environments and work with specialised partners to tailor solutions to their unique challenges.
