David Kane

As Australia prepares for a retirement wave that will see more than 2.8 million people retire over the next decade, two of the world’s leading insurers, AIA Australia and Allianz Australia Life Insurance (Allianz Retire+), have today announced a strategic partnership bringing together health, wellbeing and guaranteed lifetime income solutions to help Australians better prepare for and live well in retirement.

The strategic partnership brings together more than two centuries of experience and combines the strengths of AIA Australia’s expertise in health and wellbeing, behavioural science, member engagement, and financial wellbeing, with Allianz Retire+’s expertise in guaranteed lifetime income, including its Allianz Guaranteed Income for Life (AGILE) solution.

The two insurers will seek to work with superannuation funds, wealth platforms, financial advisers and retirement service providers to keep Australians healthier during their working lives and engage earlier with retirement planning, and to deliver a secure retirement income alongside improved health and wellbeing throughout later life.

Under the strategic partnership, AIA will bring its well-recognised behavioural science-backed health and wellbeing propositions, including AIA Vitality, while Allianz Retire+ will provide retirement income solutions through its highly regarded AGILE solution.

AIA Vitality is a science-backed health and wellbeing incentive program that rewards people for making healthier choices and staying engaged with their health.

Damien Mu, CEO of AIA Australia, said:“At AIA, we are focused on helping people live healthier, longer, better lives. We know that people are currently living longer, but they’re not necessarily spending their later years in good health; and financial security plays a big part in someone’s overall wellbeing. This is why we’re partnering: we bring our expertise in lifelong engagement and wellbeing to the table, to combine with the Allianz Retire+ market-leading retirement income guarantee.

“We’re excited about the opportunity for this partnership to provide the two-fold solution to the retirement puzzle: lifetime income security alongside a healthy and comfortable life.”

David Kane, CEO of Allianz Retire+, said: “The strategic partnership comes at an important point for Australia’s retirement system, as government and regulators increasingly call for solutions that give Australians greater confidence and certainty in retirement.

“Allianz Retire+ is experiencing positive momentum as advisers, superannuation funds and retirees increasingly recognise the value of retirement income solutions, including Allianz Guaranteed Income for Life (AGILE). This reflects a broader shift in how Australians are preparing for retirement and managing longevity risk.

“This strategic partnership with AIA Australia builds on that momentum and strengthens our ability to meet rising demand across the market. By bringing together Allianz Retire+’s retirement income expertise and AIA Australia’s strengths in health, wellbeing and customer engagement, we can help more Australians retire with confidence and achieve better retirement outcomes.”

AIA Australia and Allianz Retire+ will create a connected experience that helps Australians navigate life’s key moments through a simple framework:

Engage → Protect → Recover → Prepare → Retire

AIA will use its behavioural science-backed propositions to incentivise people to be healthy throughout their lives, and to engage in their retirement planning early
Allianz Retire+’s retirement solution Allianz Guaranteed Income for Life (AGILE) offering allows people to start locking in their retirement income from age 50
AIA Vitality in Retirement will address issues around remaining active, healthy and socially connected once someone has stopped working full-time
AGILE will provide guaranteed income for the remainder of a person’s life.

The announcement comes at a pivotal time for Australia’s retirement system. While the nation’s superannuation framework has been highly successful in helping Australians accumulate retirement savings, many continue to struggle with the challenge of turning those savings into a sustainable retirement income. Research from the Super Members Council found that 75% of pre-retirees find the range of super retirement products confusing, and that retirement system complexity could cost a typical retiree up to $136,000 over the course of retirement.

The strategic partnership responds to a growing recognition that retirement is about far more than money, and people need to start long-term planning earlier in life. Health, wellbeing, purpose, engagement, financial confidence and sustainable income all play a critical role in determining a good retirement.

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Damien Mu

In response to the increasing complexity of disability claims, leading life, health and wellbeing insurer AIA Australia has launched a new retail TPD product, TPD CORE, to give customers and advisers greater clarity and consistency in how severe and permanent disability is assessed.

TPD CORE retains the features customers and advisers value in traditional TPD insurance: the benefit is paid as a lump sum, and for physical, objectively assessed conditions, there is no fundamental change.

Where TPD CORE differs is in using clearer requirements for mental health, chronic pain and fatigue conditions, so there is greater transparency around what evidence is needed, how severity is assessed and how permanence is determined.

Traditional disability cover was designed for claims with clear and observable physical impairment; however, the modern claims landscape is markedly different, and as a result, traditional TPD is under growing strain. Mental health conditions now account for around one-third of TPD claims paid across the industry and more than $2 billion in annual payouts, almost double the level of five years ago.

TPD CORE was developed to address this challenge while maintaining meaningful protection for customers. Rather than relying predominantly on diagnosis alone, TPD CORE places greater emphasis on functional impairment and whether a condition has resulted in severe, enduring and permanent disability consistent with the purpose of TPD.

Damien Mu, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of AIA Australia, said that Australia’s worsening mental health crisis required insurers to think differently about their product set and how they best support people.

“We need to rethink how we view mental health conditions, because a diagnosis is not a life sentence. We want to focus on supporting people to live and work while effectively managing their mental health, which includes encouraging early intervention, as well as recovery and return-to-work where this is possible for someone.

“TPD CORE plays an important role in our overall approach to playing a more active role in the mental health of our customers, so that we can ensure that claimants with severe, permanent and work-ending conditions are paid a lump sum, and less severe, episodic mental health issues receive other types of support”, said Mr Mu.

TPD CORE has been designed to work alongside income protection cover, and wellbeing and recovery support through AIA Embrace, to provide customers with comprehensive disability coverage.

TPD CORE was developed through collaboration across AIA Australia’s product, medical, claims and pricing teams and incorporated consumer and adviser research.

The design has been extensively tested against historical claims experience to support both clinical integrity and long-term sustainability. This work has enabled the introduction of a five-year rate guarantee, providing greater certainty for customers and advisers.

TPD CORE is available for AIA’s Retail Customers from 31 August 2026.

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Damien Mu

Leading life, health and wellbeing insurer AIA Australia has announced a new Premier Partnership with Beyond Blue, amplifying its long‑term commitment to improve the mental health outcomes of Australians.

The partnership brings together AIA Australia’s leadership in the life and health insurance industries with Beyond Blue’s national reach and deep expertise on mental health.

With a shared focus on prevention and early intervention, Beyond Blue and AIA Australia will work together to address rising mental health challenges and reduce the number of Australians reaching crisis before seeking help.

To kick off the partnership, the organisations joined forces with the Melbourne Storm for its Mental Health Round, in an effort to encourage people to Tackle Tough Together.

Around 43 per cent of Australians have experienced a mental health condition in their lifetime, with anxiety and depression affecting millions of people across all life stages^[1]. Despite record levels of public and private investment in mental health care, prevalence continues to rise, reflecting a system that is geared towards acute and crisis care, rather than prevention and early support^[2].

AIA Australia has reported an exponential increase in mental health-related claims, with mental health claims rising from around 15% of all disability claims in 2014, to approximately 26% in 2025 – a figure that continues to increase in 2026.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO said, “Accessing support early for yourself or someone you care about can prevent problems escalating. But too many people aren’t able to get that early support, only getting help once they’re really distressed or in crisis – and sometimes struggling for up to 10 years. At the same time, too many Australians simply aren’t getting the support they need, with a system still geared towards responding to crisis rather than preventing it.

“Through this partnership with AIA Australia, Beyond Blue has an opportunity to reach people sooner, meeting them where they are – in workplaces, communities and everyday moments – with effective, practical services and tools before things escalate.”

AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu said he believed the partnership held huge potential to drive meaningful change. “At AIA Australia, our purpose is to make a difference in people’s lives. We’re pleased that this partnership with Beyond Blue will help us achieve our ambition to help Australians live healthier, longer and better lives.”

Under the partnership, AIA Australia and Beyond Blue will prioritise:

• Earlier intervention and prevention, including insights, tools and digital solutions that encourage people to seek help sooner
• Workplace mental health – supporting employers to address psychological risks and promote mentally healthier work environments
• Thought leadership and advocacy, including policy reform aimed at reducing systemic barriers to early mental health support
• Community reach and impact, leveraging Beyond Blue’s engagement with one in six Australians each year

Mr Mu said that both organisations were eager to start working closely together and change the narrative on mental health.

“As a life insurer, we unfortunately see people when their mental health has deteriorated to a point where they are unable to work. What’s currently described as ‘early intervention’ is often happening quite late in someone’s experience and after they’ve lodged a claim.

“We believe that there are many strong opportunities to change this. For example, employers could offer targeted mental health support in the workplace that can deliver real preventative impact.”

“As a nation, we have become trapped in a “sick‑care” cycle. By focusing more on early warning signs and underlying contributors, we can support people sooner and reduce the risk of their mental health deteriorating.”

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Paula Bourke

Leading life, health and wellbeing insurer AIA Australia has appointed Paula Bourke as its new Chief Retail Insurance Officer, reflecting the company’s continued focus on delivering sustainable growth and strengthening support for its advice partners and customers.

Paula will lead AIA Australia’s Retail leadership team, bringing together the organisation’s retail product, pricing, distribution and retention functions as part of a broader strategy to drive quality growth and enhance customer and adviser outcomes.

AIA Australia Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Damien Mu said Paula’s appointment marks an important milestone in the company’s Retail growth strategy.

“I am delighted to welcome Paula to AIA Australia. Paula is a highly respected leader with deep expertise across life insurance, reinsurance, product innovation and business transformation,” Mr Mu said.

“Her breadth of experience, customer focus and proven ability to lead high-performing teams make her exceptionally well placed to lead our Retail business as we continue to grow and evolve.

“The new structure of our Retail team represents an important step in delivering our strategy. By bringing together our product, pricing, distribution and retention capabilities, we are creating a stronger, more connected structure that optimises how we can be supporting advisers, meeting the changing needs of customers and delivering sustainable growth.

“Paula’s leadership will be instrumental in helping us realise that ambition, and I look forward to seeing what the team achieves together.”

Paula joins AIA Australia from SCOR Australia and New Zealand, where she served as Chief Executive Officer. Her career spans the full insurance value chain, including senior leadership roles at SCOR, BT Financial Group/Westpac and CommInsure.

She has led growth and transformation initiatives, developed digital and AI-enabled propositions, supported product and pricing strategy, and built strong partnerships across insurers, advisers, superannuation funds, distribution partners and regulators.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Bourke said she was excited to join AIA Australia at a pivotal time for both the business and the life insurance industry.

“AIA Australia has a strong reputation for empowering its customers to lead healthier, longer, better lives and for its deep commitment to the adviser community,” Ms Bourke said.

“I’m looking forward to working with the talented Retail team and our advice partners to build on that foundation, deliver meaningful value for customers and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving market.”

Paula brings a unique combination of direct insurance, reinsurance and global innovation experience, underpinned by a strong focus on customers, advisers and sustainable growth. Her experience leading complex organisations, shaping customer-focused operating models and building high-performing teams will be invaluable as AIA Australia continues to strengthen its Retail offering.

Paula is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, holds an MBA with Dean’s Merit, and has contributed extensively to industry leadership through board and advisory roles, including with the Council of Australian Life Insurers. She was recognised with a Women in Financial Services Award for Life Insurance.

AIA Australia also acknowledges the significant and impactful contributions of Stephanie Phillips and Pina Sciarrone, who will be leaving the organisation at the end of September. After distinguished careers with AIA Australia spanning more than 15 years each, Stephanie and Pina have decided that this is the right time for their next chapter. AIA Australia thanks them for their leadership, passion, dedication and service to our partners and our customers over many years and wish them every success for the future.

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Damien Mu

Leading life, health and wellbeing insurer AIA Australia has announced a new Premier Partnership with Beyond Blue, amplifying its long‑term commitment to improve the mental health outcomes of Australians.

The partnership brings together AIA Australia’s leadership in the life and health insurance industries with Beyond Blue’s national reach and deep expertise on mental health.

With a shared focus on prevention and early intervention, Beyond Blue and AIA Australia will work together to address rising mental health challenges and reduce the number of Australians reaching crisis before seeking help.

To kick off the partnership, the organisations joined forces with the Melbourne Storm for its Mental Health Round, in an effort to encourage people to Tackle Tough Together.

Around 43 per cent of Australians have experienced a mental health condition in their lifetime, with anxiety and depression affecting millions of people across all life stages.^[1] Despite record levels of public and private investment in mental health care, prevalence continues to rise, reflecting a system that is geared towards acute and crisis care, rather than prevention and early support.^[2]

AIA Australia has reported an exponential increase in mental health-related claims, with mental health claims rising from around 15% of all disability claims in 2014, to approximately 26% in 2025 – a figure that continues to increase in 2026.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO said, “Accessing support early for yourself or someone you care about can prevent problems escalating. But too many people aren’t able to get that early support, only getting help once they’re really distressed or in crisis – and sometimes struggling for up to 10 years. At the same time, too many Australians simply aren’t getting the support they need, with a system still geared towards responding to crisis rather than preventing it.

“Through this partnership with AIA Australia, Beyond Blue has an opportunity to reach people sooner, meeting them where they are – in workplaces, communities and everyday moments – with effective, practical services and tools before things escalate.”

AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu said he believed the partnership held huge potential to drive meaningful change. “At AIA Australia, our purpose is to make a difference in people’s lives. We’re pleased that this partnership with Beyond Blue will help us achieve our ambition to help Australians live healthier, longer and better lives.”

Under the partnership, AIA Australia and Beyond Blue will prioritise:

• Earlier intervention and prevention, including insights, tools and digital solutions that encourage people to seek help sooner
• Workplace mental health – supporting employers to address psychological risks and promote mentally healthier work environments
• Thought leadership and advocacy, including policy reform aimed at reducing systemic barriers to early mental health support
• Community reach and impact, leveraging Beyond Blue’s engagement with one in six Australians each year

Mr Mu said that both organisations were eager to start working closely together and change the narrative on mental health.

“As a life insurer, we unfortunately see people when their mental health has deteriorated to a point where they are unable to work. What’s currently described as ‘early intervention’ is often happening quite late in someone’s experience and after they’ve lodged a claim.

“We believe that there are many strong opportunities to change this. For example, employers could offer targeted mental health support in the workplace that can deliver real preventative impact.”

“As a nation, we have become trapped in a “sick‑care” cycle. By focusing more on early warning signs and underlying contributors, we can support people sooner and reduce the risk of their mental health deteriorating.”

——–

Notes:
[1] ABS National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020-2022
[2] Ibod.

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Kelly Power

Colonial First State (CFS), in partnership with AIA Australia, today announces the launch of a new digital insurance claims service designed to make it simpler and faster for members to lodge an insurance claim.
CFS currently supports members with more than $80 million in insurance claim payments each year, and based on ASIC data, is among the quickest superannuation funds to pay death benefits.

The new functionality enables members to lodge Total and Permanent Disablement, Salary Continuance Insurance and Terminal Illness claims online through the CFS Insurance Portal in FirstNet or the CFS app.

The launch of digital claims builds on CFS’s ongoing investment in making it easier for members to manage their insurance online, following the introduction of digital insurance quote and application services last year.

Kelly Power, Chief Executive Officer of Colonial First State Superannuation, said the launch reflects CFS’s continued focus on improving member experiences through technology.

“Members who are lodging an insurance claim are often going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. The new digital insurance claims service is designed to make that experience simpler and less stressful by giving members the flexibility to lodge a claim in their own time, reduce paperwork, and access support faster,” said Ms Power.

Damien Mu, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Australia, said that a cornerstone of the partnership with CFS has been transformation and innovation.

“We are always looking for opportunities with CFS to deliver better experiences for members, and digital claims represents a major step forward. We know that people can be at their most vulnerable at claim time, so anything we can do to make the process quicker and easier will have a real impact. It’s also really important to us that our fund partners have a frictionless and efficient digital experience with us, so we are continually improving our technology suite,” said Mr Mu.

Key features of the new service include:

• Smarter, faster lodgement: AIA’s claims rules engine uses adaptive questioning to streamline the process and support quicker time to decision where appropriate, with the long-term aim of increasing the proportion of claims that can be automatically assessed.
• Third party support: members can nominate a family member, support person, adviser or solicitor to help manage the claim. Representatives receive their own secure link and can assist with lodgement on the member’s behalf.
• Save and resume functionality: members can start a claim, save their progress and return to it when ready, removing the pressure to complete everything at once.
• Early support and intervention: claim triaging helps connect members to the right support sooner, with accelerated decisions available for eligible claims. Real-time tracking provides members with an immediate status update on their claim.
• Automated updates and reminders: SMS and email notifications help members and their representatives stay informed and on track with required information.

  —-ends—-
  Media enquiries
  Steven Reilly
  Director, External Communications
  Colonial First State
  E: steven.reilly@cfs.com.au
  M: 0431 711 470
  Sarah Phillips
  GM Corporate Affairs
  AIA Australia
  E: sarah.phillips@aia.com
  M: 0498 494 791
  About Colonial First State
  Colonial First State (CFS) is Superannuation and Investments HoldCo Pty Limited ABN 64 644 660 882 and its subsidiaries which include Colonial First State Investments Limited ABN 98 002 348 352, AFSL 232468 (CFSIL) and Avanteos Investments Limited ABN 20 096 259 979, AFSL 245531 (AIL). CFS is majority owned by an affiliate of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR), with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (CBA) holding a significant minority interest.
  About AIA Australia
  AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043) is a life, health and wellbeing insurer with over 50 years’ experience, currently protecting the lives and livelihoods of more than 3.1 million Australians. In 2021, CommInsure Life was integrated into AIA Australia. The company is part of the global AIA

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Brett Clark

The Australian life insurance industry has come together behind its newly formed peak body, the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI). Nineteen life insurers and reinsurers have now become full members of CALI, representing 99% of the life insurance industry and 100% of the reinsurance industry in Australia.

CALI co-Chairs, Damien Mu, chief executive and managing director, AIA Australia and Brett Clark, group chief executive and managing director, TAL, said the strong engagement and support from across the industry underscored the important role that CALI will play.

“CALI has been established as a dedicated peak body to act as the progressive voice of life insurance in Australia and to represent the interests of the industry and our customers and partners.

“CALI has an essential role to play in driving positive outcomes through engagement with our stakeholders, including Government, consumers, their representatives, and regulators.”

Membership of the CALI board has also been finalised, with representatives from AIA Australia, ClearView, Integrity Life, MetLife, MLC Life Insurance, Pacific Life Re, Resolution Life Australasia, TAL, and Zurich Financial Services.

Christine Cupitt was recently announced as the incoming CEO, commencing in January 2023, who joins CALI from the Australian Banking Association (ABA) where she is currently Chief of Policy and Strategy.

“The mandate which accompanies such strong endorsement and commitment from across the industry ensures Chris and the team she establishes will be well positioned to advocate for sound public policy outcomes that benefit customers and the community,” said Mr Mu and Mr Clark.

CALI Members:

• AIA Australia
• Challenger
• ClearView
• General Reinsurance Life
• Hannover Re
• HCF Life
• Integrity Life
• MetLife Australia
• MLC Life Insurance
• Munich Re
• NobleOak
• Pacific Life Re
• QInsure
• RGA Reinsurance
• Resolution Life Australasia
• SCOR Life & Health
• Swiss Re
• TAL
• Zurich Financial Services

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Damien Mu – Insurance Leader of the Year Award recipient.

The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) is delighted to announce the winners of the 2021 Australian Insurance Industry Awards.

Despite the 2021 Awards evening not proceeding as planned, over 550 registered attendees tuned in to watch the free-to-view awards video.

Now in its 17th year, the awards celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and companies who all share a common pursuit for excellence and exceptional dedication to the Australian insurance industry.

‘Congratulations to this years’ winners and finalists – all have displayed excellence, and a commitment to professionalism over the past year,’ said Prue Willsford, ANZIIF Chief Executive Officer. The awards highlight the incredible work organisations and individuals are doing to make a difference in the community.’

‘Thank you to our diverse judging panel that have given their time to assess the submissions and to our great partners and sponsors, who continue to support the leading celebration of excellence across our whole industry and help make this year’s event possible.’

‘I’d like to thank all companies and individuals who took the time and effort to write an awards submission and I look forward to seeing you all in person next year.’

Among the awards for individual excellence, Linh Nguyen of Sedgwick was announced Young Insurance Professional of the Year, Damien Mu of AIA (Australia and New Zealand) was announced Insurance Leader of the Year, and Wayne Goodall was presented with the ANZIIF Lifetime Achievement Award.

2021 winners

Small Broking Company of the Year:​
Trade Risk

Medium Broking Company of the Year:
Warren Saunders Insurance Brokers

Large Broking Company of the Year:
Marsh

Authorised Representative Network of the Year:
Insurance Advisernet

Underwriting Agency of the Year:
CHU Underwriting Agencies

Small General Insurance Company of the Year:
Guild Insurance

Large General Insurance Company of the Year:
Hollard Insurance

Life Insurance Company of the Year:
MetLife Australia

Insurtech of the Year:
Codafication

Professional Services Firm of the year:
Finity

Service Provider to the Insurance Industry:
Paynters

Excellence in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion:
Hollard Insurance

Insurance Learning Program of the Year:
Sedgwick

Young Insurance Professional of the Year:
Linh Nguyen, Sedgwick

Insurance Leader of the year:
Damien Mu, AIA (Australia and New Zealand)

ANZIIF Lifetime Achievement Award:
Wayne Goodall

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Justin Delaney

Australia’s largest life insurers – AIA Australia, ClearView, MetLife, MLC Life Insurance, Resolution Life, TAL and Zurich – have announced they are joining forces in support of Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

As Australia pursues high rates of vaccination on the road out of COVID-19 restrictions, the life insurers have created “We Have You Covered”, a joint national initiative designed to reassure and give confidence to Australians that once vaccinated, their life insurance products will continue to protect and cover them as they have always done.

Between them, the seven insurers provide life insurance cover to more than 14 million Australians. Through this initiative, they are cooperating to provide confidence to customers and the community around approved COVID-19 vaccines and their life insurance products.

A website, ‘www.wehaveyoucovered.com.au,’ has been launched as an educational resource to help provide confidence and peace of mind to the community, with a focus on three key areas:

• receiving an approved COVID-19 vaccination does not affect customers’ ability to claim on existing life insurance policies
• receiving an approved COVID-19 vaccination does not affect people’s ability to access life insurance in the future
• while serious side effects are rare, life insurance covers any serious side effects from approved COVID19 vaccines that meet the terms and benefits provided under a customer’s policy.

The initiative will also be supported by a multi-channel media campaign, co-funded by the seven life insurers participating, to reach as many Australians as possible with the campaign messages.

Speaking about the launch, the CEOs of the key campaign drivers said the time was right to come together to address any community uncertainty on this important topic.

Damien Mu, CEO and Managing Director of AIA Australia and New Zealand said: “The health and wellbeing of our customers and the community is always our primary concern, and we felt it was important and the right thing to do at this time, to play our part in removing any barriers to remaining parts of the population being vaccinated.”

Rodney Cook, CEO of MLC Life Insurance said: “Where customers have questions about the impact COVID vaccinations could have on their policy, we feel now is an important time to set the record straight, particularly as we want to encourage as many Australians to get vaccinated as possible.”

Brett Clark, Group CEO and Managing Director of TAL said: “While several Australian states are tracking towards higher vaccination levels, collectively we felt it was important to provide anyone who was unsure about the impact of being vaccinated on their life insurance cover or ability to access cover in the future, confidence that – as an industry – we have them covered.”

Justin Delaney, CEO of Zurich Australian and New Zealand said: “Customer confidence in the ability to claim on and access life insurance is paramount, and never more so than when it may impact decisions something as important as the COVID-19 vaccination.”

Visit the website.

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Tim Plant

The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) has announced at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) that Tim Plant, CEO General Insurance (Australia & New Zealand), Zurich Australia will take over the position of ANZIIF President effective immediately. Ben Bessell, Chief Broking Officer, Austbrokers will take the role as Deputy President.

Tim has held the position of Deputy President since 2019 and accepted the Presidency when Megan Beer stepped down at the end of her two-year term.

“I am proud and honoured to be elected President of ANZIIF, an organisation that I have been a part of for many years,” said Tim Plant CEO General Insurance, Zurich Australia. “ANZIIF has played a major role in uplifting the professional standards of the insurance industry in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region. I am excited to lead as President and help ANZIIF achieve its vision and strategic goals.”

ANZIIF Chief Executive Officer Prue Willsford paid tribute to Megan Beer. “Megan has been influential in leading the launch of the first ever Professional Standards Framework for the life sector. She is the first female president of ANZIIF and has been a strong advocate for women in leadership roles. Thank you for helping ANZIIF achieve its goals during your two-year term as President.”

ANZIIF Past President Allan Reynolds retired from the ANZIIF Board at the AGM.

“We have been very fortunate to have had Allan on the ANZIIF Board since 2015. ANZIIF and the entire team have greatly benefited from Allan’s advice, knowledge, and 40 years of industry experience.

Willsford acknowledged and thanked Tony Lee and Daniel Fogarty for their dedicated service to ANZIIF – both members retired from the ANZIIF Board at the AGM.

2021 ANZIIF Board:

• Tim Plant (President), CEO General Insurance AUS/NZ, Zurich Financial Services Australasia Limited
• Ben Bessell (Deputy President), Chief Broking Officer, Austbrokers
• Megan Beer (Immediate Past President), Group Executive, Insurance, CEO Australasia, Resolution Life
• Diego Ascani, Chief Executive Officer, Australia, Sedgwick
• Tim Considine, Managing Director, Austbrokers Countrywide
• Catherine Dixon, Executive General Manager, People Experience, Suncorp Group New Zealand
• Simone Dossetor, Chief Operating Officer, Munich Re Australasia,
• Fiona Hayes-St Clair, Chief Strategy Officer, QBE Insurance Australia / New Zealand
• John Lyon, Chief Executive Officer, Ando Inurance
• Damien Mu, Chief Executive Officer, AIA Australia
• Prue Willsford, Chief Executive Officer, ANZIIF

ANZIIF CEO Prue Willsford and Immediate Past President Megan Beer recognised several award winners for their contribution to ANZIIF and the insurance industry.

ANZIIF (Senior Associate) David McKinnis was awarded Honorary Life Membership for his long-term contribution, service, and proactive influence on the insurance industry. The annual ANZIIF Service Award was presented to ANZIIF Fellow Noel Donovan for his many years of work at ANZIIF to help lift professional standards through education and training. The E.E Vines Prize for 2020 was awarded to ANZIIF (Fellow) Honorary Life John Dawson for his Journal article What is the difference between conduct risk, risk culture and organisational culture?.

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