Ross Miller

Acenda Group has announced the appointment of Ross Miller as its new Group Chief People and Culture Officer, effective 16 February 2026.

Ross is a highly experienced senior executive and human resources leader, with a strong track record leading organisations through transformation and change.

Ross brings more than 25 years’ experience from Westpac Group, where he held a range of senior executive and human resources roles. These included General Manager, Human Resources for Westpac Group’s Australian and New Zealand retail operations, General Manager, Human Resources at St George Bank, and most recently Chief Customer and Engagement Officer in Westpac’s Consumer and Business Banking Division.

Ross’ appointment completes the Acenda Group Leadership Team announced in October 2025.

Acenda Group Chief Executive Officer Chris de Bruin said: “Ross joins our business at an important time as we continue to shape our organisation and culture following the establishment of the Acenda Group,” Mr de Bruin said.

“Ross brings deep experience in financial services, and I am confident his leadership will strengthen the development of our

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Gerard Kerr

Acenda has unveiled an innovative new Total Permanent Disability (TPD) Severity insurance benefit that provides more flexibility, clarity and choice for Australians who are unable to work due to severe injury or illness.

Traditional TPD insurance provides a payment in the event someone becomes totally and permanently disabled and can never work again in either their own or any occupation.

Acenda’s new TPD Severity option offers customers more flexibility and choice and sits alongside the existing TPD options. This allows advisers to tailor cover to their clients’ individual needs by mixing and matching the levels of TPD Severity with the customer’s preferred level of other TPD cover.

Gerard Kerr, Chief Executive, Individual Insurance for Acenda, said the enhanced benefit had been designed with input from advisers  and reflects the evolving needs of Australians, including a need for greater stability in the cost of TPD insurance.

“TPD insurance provides Australians with valuable financial protection in the event of serious illness or injury. However, the way we work, recover and diagnose medical conditions have evolved significantly since TPD insurance was first established many decades ago and our products haven’t evolved with them,” he said.

“As an industry we need to step up and provide alternative TPD solutions to advisers and their clients to ensure they can continue to access this valuable disability cover that meets that need. We’ve worked closely with advisers to design a solution that reflects the realities of modern medicine and employment, while helping more Australians access meaningful, affordable protection.

“Acenda is taking the lead with the launch of our new TPD Severity option, which provides customers with greater options in structuring TPD cover, complementing our existing any and own offerings and bringing greater affordability to more Australians.”

The launch comes amid a surge in TPD claims in recent years, particularly for musculoskeletal and mental health conditions. Between 2018 and 2023, Acenda reported a 166 per cent increase in retail TPD claims for musculoskeletal conditions. During the same period, Acenda reported a 171 per cent increase in retail TPD claims for mental illness.

These conditions can vary significantly in their level of severity and while they can be long-term and permanent, they can also be episodic with a longer period of recovery and difficult to assess under traditional TPD definitions.

This consistent rise in claims over recent years has also resulted in higher TPD premiums across the industry, making cover increasingly unaffordable for many Australians and further threatening ongoing access to this valuable disability cover.

TPD Severity uses established medical impairment benchmarks to assess the degree and permanence of disability, for both physical and mental health conditions, bringing greater objectivity and consistency to the claims process.

“TPD Severity provides customers and advisers with more clarity and consistency when making a claim by using established medical benchmarks to assess the severity and permanency of an injury or illness,” Mr Kerr said.

“We will work with advisers to ensure they are supported in recommending the best options for their customers through comprehensive education and resources.

“TPD Severity is a modern solution to a modern problem, delivering customers more affordable premiums while still offering access to meaningful protection that gives Australians the confidence to take life on.”

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Jane McGovern

Acenda has unveiled its new brand platform, ‘Take Life On’, focusing on its mission to empower Australians to live life with confidence. 

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Gerard Kerr

Acenda is reimagining life insurance with an innovative underwriting solution that provides quicker, more streamlined access to cover for Australians.

In an industry-first partnership with UnderwriteMe, medical evidence, including doctors’ reports and blood test results, can now be assessed by Acenda’s underwriting engine, enabling faster approvals for cover.

The collaboration with UnderwriteMe follows Acenda’s award-winning partnership with EQ Pathology. Through this partnership, Acenda has streamlined the underwriting process for doctors by replacing traditional paperwork with digital Personal Medical Attendant Reports (PMARs), pathology reports and medical exam results.

Acenda’s new underwriting initiative with UnderwriteMe completes this process with Australia’s first end to end digital solution in the life insurance industry.

Jane Murray, Chief Operating Officer, who leads Acenda’s underwriting function, said: “Acenda’s partnership with UnderwriteMe is an industry first innovation that transforms the collection and processing of medical information.

“In a groundbreaking initiative, the underwriting process will be fully digitised creating a capability where automated underwriting decisions can occur where medical evidence is required. This will create a seamless experience for customers.”

Gerard Kerr, Acenda’s Chief Executive Individual Business, said: “It is part of Acenda’s commitment to innovation, along with creating speed in our decisions to support our adviser partners and customers, as one of Australia’s leading life insurers.”

Paul Hughes, Chief Revenue and Customer Officer for UnderwriteMe, said: “UnderwriteMe have been proud supporters of Acenda for several years in the Australian market, and this latest innovation is a game changer.

“By leveraging technology to solve critical challenges in secondary evidence underwriting, Acenda are making it easier for Australians to obtain their cover in a swifter and smoother way.  We are delighted to have collaborated with Acenda and EQ Pathology in delivering this exciting, industry first innovation.”

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Ms. Le Bas and Ms. Malzard’s appointments follow Nippon Life’s announcement in December 2024 that it had agreed to acquire 100% of the shares of Resolution Life. On completion of this transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, Acenda and Resolution Life Australasia will merge to form the Acenda Group, one of the largest life insurance businesses in Australia and New Zealand.

The appointments further strengthen the leadership of the merged Group, together with the previously announced future Group Chief Executive Officer, Chris de Bruin, future Acenda Board Chair, Mr. Craig Dunn, and future Independent Non-Executive Directors. The appointments will take effect upon completion of the transaction.

Mr. Craig Dunn, future Independent Chair of the Acenda Group said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to Yvonne and Karen on their appointments; an exciting milestone in establishing the Acenda Group. Yvonne and Karen, alongside Group CEO Chris de Bruin, bring deep expertise and strong leadership capabilities to Acenda. I have great confidence in their ability to lead the business with integrity and a commitment to our customers and partners across Australia and New Zealand.”

Mr. Chris de Bruin, future Group CEO of the Acenda Group said: “I am excited to work alongside Yvonne and Karen as part of Acenda’s future leadership team. Their combined experience across financial services and life insurance, as well as their strong leadership capabilities will benefit Acenda as we lead the merged organisation through this important time for our business and the industry.”

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Andrew Beevors

Acenda has launched Vivo Companion, an industry-first app that will support Australians on their wellness and recovery journey.

Andrew Beevors, Chief Claims and Transformation Officer, said the purpose-built app offered a seamless, digital first experience for customers as they recover from injury or illness.

“Active participation in recovery has been shown to support faster, more complete recoveries and a smoother return to everyday life and work,” he said.

“Vivo Companion digitises the recovery experience and puts practical tools and support in customers’ pockets. It enables them to set, manage and track personalised recovery goals, augmented by general wellness support including nutrition, physical activity and sleep.”

Customers can measure their health with a real-time, scientifically calculated health score enabling a longer lasting return to health journey. Tracking workouts and activities can boost their health score and the app can connect and sync with popular health fitness devices including Fitbit and Garmin.

It also has a personalised health coach that offers suggestions and prompts to improve the recovery journey. Linking seamlessly with Vivo Virtual Care Services, customers can also enter giveaways and competitions for their chance to win prizes.

“We understand that every recovery journey is different, and we aim to support customers every step of the way in their recovery and return to good health,” Mr Beevors said.

Vivo Companion has been developed in partnership with dacadoo, an internationally recognised leader in digital health engagement.

“This is the first time dacadoo have used this platform for recovery support. This innovative partnership reinforces our commitment to delivering the best customer experience especially when it comes to customer care,” Mr Beevors said.

Peter Ohnemus, CEO, dacadoo, said: “The future in digital health is all about hyper-personalisation. Acenda is a clear leader in this space, utilising dacadoo to accelerate and tailor customer recovery by using dacadoo’s Digital Health Engagement Platform.”

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Gerard Kerr

Acenda welcomes Equity Trustees Superannuation Limited (ETSL) as the new Trustee for its customers with individual life insurance policies held in super.

The change completes the transition from NULIS Nominees (Australia) Limited (NULIS) to ETSL, and the transfer of members with life insurance policies from MLC Super Fund to Smart Future Trust.

Gerard Kerr, Chief Executive Individual Business for Acenda, said the new partnership with ETSL supports Acenda’s strategic vision for growth and innovation.

“Trustees play a crucial role in prioritising members’ interests and safeguarding their benefits. By partnering with ETSL, who are recognised for their expertise and flexibility, we aim to provide long-term support for our customers,” he said.

“Acenda is building on our strengths as a life insurer by focusing on growth and innovation. This includes partnering with a specialist trustee that supports our growth ambitions and enhances our product capabilities and proposition to customers.

“We want to continue to deliver an exceptional and seamless experience for our customers and advisers. I am delighted that this transition has been a smooth one and we remain focused on maintaining the high level of service that our customers expect and deserve.”

ETSL is part of the Equity Trustees Group. Equity Trustees was established as an independent Trustee and Executor company in 1888 and has become one of Australia’s largest specialist trustee companies. ETSL partners with Future Group, as the sponsor and master administrator of the Smart Future Trust.

Mick O’Brien, Managing Director of Equity Trustees, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to be the trustee for Acenda insured members. We look forward to a productive collaboration focused on delivering the best possble outcomes to members.”

Simon Sheikh, CEO Future Group said: “We know that trust is key when moving retirement and insurance savings. We are focused on building a better future to retire to and we look forward to sharing that vision with transitioned Acenda members  while delivering exceptional results.”

More than 98,000 super fund members with life insurance policies were successfully transitioned from the MLC Super Fund to Smart Future Trust.

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Mr. de Bruin’s appointment follows Nippon Life’s announcement in December 2024 that it had agreed to acquire 100% of the shares of Resolution Life. On completion of this transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to occur in the second half of 2025, Acenda and Resolution Life Australasia will merge to form one of the largest life insurance businesses in Australia and New Zealand.

Mr. de Bruin brings a wealth of experience, from an exceptional 25-year career in executive roles in the financial services sector globally. His appointment as the Acenda Group CEO further strengthens the leadership of the merged group, in concert with the previously announced Chair, Mr. Craig Dunn, and Independent Non-Executive Directors. Mr. de Bruin’s appointment will take effect upon completion of the transaction.

Acenda and Resolution Life Australasia extend their sincere thanks to the current Acenda CEO, Mr. Kent Griffin and Resolution Life Australasia CEO, Mr. Tim Tez for their exceptional leadership and dedication during their tenure. Their contributions have laid a strong foundation for the future success of the Acenda Group as the company begins its new chapter. Mr. Griffin and Mr. Tez will remain with the company for a period and will support Chris with his onboarding.

Mr Satoshi Asahi, President of Nippon Life said, “It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to Mr. de Bruin upon his appointment as the new CEO of the Acenda Group. I am confident that he brings the experience and strategic insight essential for steering the organisation through the integration process and beyond.

“I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Kent Griffin for his invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Acenda during his appointment.

“Under Mr. de Bruin’s leadership, I believe the Acenda Group will enhance its position in the market while consistently delivering exceptional service and value to its policyholders.  I look forward to supporting him as he embarks on this important journey to lead our Australian and New Zealand operations.”

Sir Clive Cowdery, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Resolution Life, said, “This is an important time for the industry in Australia and New Zealand, and Acenda’s customer focussed agenda will greatly benefit from Chris de Bruin’s strategic vision. I would like to thank to Tim Tez for the outstanding job he has done as CEO of Resolution Life Australasia during these last three years.”

Mr Craig Dunn, the future independent Chair of Acenda said, “On behalf of everyone at the new Acenda Group, I extend a generous welcome to Mr. Chris de Bruin as our new CEO. Having had the pleasure of working with Chris before, I know the strength of leadership and strategic insight he will bring to the role, and the great passion he has for creating an exceptional experience for both customers and employees alike. I pass on my sincere thanks and best wishes to both Kent and Tim for their dedication and commitment to leading the organisations that will make up the Acenda Group, and for fostering the development of the growth platforms that I know will provide a strong foundation for the future success of Acenda.”

Mr. Chris de Bruin said, “I am excited to join the Acenda Group at the start of this new chapter. I would like to thank Nippon Life President Satoshi Asahi and Resolution Life Founder & CEO Sir Clive Cowdery for the opportunity. Building on the foundations established under the leadership of Kent Griffin & Tim Tez, I look forward to working with our Chair Craig Dunn, the Board, our shareholders and the exceptional team across the Acenda Group to achieve our vision to provide outstanding service and value to our customers and partners.”

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Acenda was a finalist in nine of the 10 award categories and won the Leadership Award, Claims Team Award, Customer Service Team Award and Partnership Impact Team Award.

Mary Magallanes, General Manager Claims Management for Acenda, was awarded the prestigious Leadership Award, recognising her outstanding contribution to life insurance and commitment to customer focused innovation.

Acenda received the Claims Team Award for the third consecutive year for TPD Express, a new customer-first approach that’s transformed the Total and Permanent Disability claims experience.

TPD Express fast tracks claims for people with severe health conditions and has resulted in eligible claims now being paid and settled in just 17 working days, down from 105 – an 84% improvement.

Acenda won the Customer Service Team Award for KickStart, an early intervention program that provides customers with personal support and tailored rehabilitation plans within 24 hours of a referral to help them recover from illness or injury.

Andrew Beevors, Chief Claims and Transformation Officer for Acenda, said: “The ALUCA awards are extremely competitive and it’s great to see Acenda and our people recognised for delivering meaningful programs supporting outcomes for our customers and partners.

“These awards represent the end-to-end value chain of life insurance from leadership, underwriting and claims. They also reflect Acenda’s ongoing commitment to put the customer at the heart of everything we do.”

Acenda also received the Partnership Impact Team Award for its partnership with EQ Pathology. The partnership delivers Australians faster life insurance, by allowing doctors to provide medical information through smart, digital questionnaires instead of submitting PDF forms.

Jane Murray, Chief Operating Officer for Acenda, said: “It’s fantastic to see this industry-first initiative delivered by our team, recognised with this award. I congratulate all of our people for what they continue to do to put customers first.”

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Gerard Kerr

Australians will be able to access life insurance faster thanks to an industry-first initiative by Acenda that will streamline the processing of medical information. 

Acenda has partnered with EQ Pathology allowing doctors to provide medical information through smart, digital questionnaires instead of submitting PDF forms. 

This will enable complete, unambiguous data for insurers and advisers, delivering a streamlined digital process for doctors and fewer delays for customers. 

Insurance applications can sometimes require additional medical information to complete. These requests currently involve manual intervention to process and can create delays for advisers and customers. The new, automated process eliminates bottlenecks and delivers faster decisions when medical information is required. 

Gerard Kerr, Chief Executive Individual Business, said Acenda is the first Australian life insurer to deliver this new digitised process. 

“This industry-first initiative is part of Acenda’s commitment to innovation and ensuring we put the customer at the heart of everything we do and make it easier and faster for Australians to obtain their cover,” he said. 

“It is part of our focus to transform underwriting and to innovate how our underwriters get precisely the information they need the first time without the back and forth that can delay applications. 

“Doctors will no longer have to download or print PDFs so advisers can provide their clients with faster decisions in a streamlined experience that still respects their privacy.” 

Stephen Clarkson, CEO of EQ Pathology, said: “This partnership demonstrates how technology can solve real problems, making life insurance applications smoother and faster for clients, advisers and medical professionals. 

“It’s exciting to see an insurer embrace our structured data approach to eliminate the traditional bottlenecks in underwriting.” 

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