Scott Leney was re-appointed as ANZIIF President, with Brendan Dunne continuing as Deputy President.

The AGM also confirmed the appointment of Blazenka Skender, Head of People & HR Business Support, APAC at Everest, to the ANZIIF Board.

Leney thanked outgoing past President Ben Bessell for his leadership and contribution to the organisation since joining the Board in 2019.

“Ben has made a significant contribution to ANZIIF during a period of important transition and strategic development for the organisation,” Leney said.

“His leadership, professionalism and commitment to the industry have helped position ANZIIF strongly for the future.”

Leney said the organisation remained committed to supporting professionalism and capability uplift across the insurance and risk sector.

“Our priority is ensuring ANZIIF continues to provide trusted guidance, robust learning pathways and ethical leadership as the sector navigates rapid technological change,” he said.

“We remain committed to growing our impact, deepening our partnerships and ensuring ANZIIF continues to set the benchmark for skills elevation and professional recognition.”

The AGM also recognised the contribution of departed Board members Kimberley Jonsson, Diego Ascani, Tim Tez and Catherine Dixon, and acknowledged Claire Young following her appointment as the organisation’s Chief Operating Officer.

ANZIIF CEO Katrina Shanks congratulated the organisation’s 2025 graduates during the graduation ceremony following the AGM.

“In a fast-changing and more complex world; shaped by climate risk, rising customer expectations, emerging technologies and global uncertainty, we need more than qualified professionals,” Shanks said.

“We need true insurance professionals, people who bring together technical expertise, empathy, curiosity and a strong sense of responsibility.”

The AGM also highlighted ANZIIF’s continued investment in education, member experience and industry engagement, alongside a strong financial position and an ongoing strategy refresh examining the future of professionalism in insurance.

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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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“On behalf of the Board and the team at ANZIIF, we are delighted to welcome Sarah and Tim to the Board” says Prue Willsford, ANZIIF Chief Executive Officer. “Their experience, industry knowledge, and passion for enhancing professional standards will greatly benefit ANZIIF and ensure we remain relevant to all the Members that we serve.”

Tim Tez, CEO of Resolution Life Australasia since February 2023, has over 23 years of experience in the insurance industry with an extensive background across distribution, M&A, strategy, reinsurance, product, pricing, marketing, strategy and government relations.

Tez comments, “I’m delighted to join the ANZIIF Board and have the opportunity to contribute to the important role ANZIIF plays in shaping and transforming the insurance and finance industry. ANZIIF’s mission to promote industry professional standards through education and learning, and improve community understanding of insurance and finance, is something that I am also very passionate about.  I look forward to joining the Board and being part of driving positive change within the industry.”

Sarah Phillips is responsible for AIA Australia’s public policy advocacy, strategic communications, ESG and leads the CEO Office. Prior to joining AIA in 2018, Sarah worked in a number of public policy roles, including as a consultant to the FSC with responsibility for developing the Life Insurance Code of Practice, and as Reputation Manager at the Business Council of Australia.

Phillips comments, “In the time that I’ve worked in insurance in Australia, I have gained a real respect for the role that ANZIIF plays in supporting the industry and lifting standards. I was very pleased to work closely with ANZIIF as we developed the Life Insurance Professional Standards, and I look forward to now being able to support and advocate for ANZIIF from my position on the Board.”

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James Carey has joined MetLife in the newly created role of Head of Reinsurance and Regulatory Affairs. Mr Carey brings over ten years’ industry experience and will be responsible for developing and executing MetLife’s reinsurance strategy and ensuring the business is strongly equipped to manage and navigate regulatory change. Mr Carey joins from AIA, where he held a variety of senior roles, most recently as Head of AIA Vitality.

MetLife has also appointed Holly Dorber as Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy. Ms Dorber will be responsible for stakeholder engagement and strengthening MetLife’s ability to shape the Australian policy environment as a leader in the life insurance industry in Australia. Ms Dorber has previously held positions at AMP Financial Services and prior to that spent six years as a senior policy manager at the Financial Services Council.

In addition, Stephen Varney has recently joined MetLife’s growing Melbourne office as Head of Individual Pricing and Affiliate. Mr Varney brings over 20 years’ experience in pricing, product and actuarial consulting services, having worked at AMP, AXA, Colonial and National Mutual.

MetLife’s Chief Product and Marketing Officer Tim Tez said the new appointments further demonstrated MetLife’s focus on continual improvement and reinforced the firm’s goal of providing the easiest and most caring customer experience.

“James’s experience will be invaluable in centralising MetLife’s Reinsurance matters. By building stronger operating models to better identify, manage and control risk, both our business divisions and partners will benefit.

“Holly will also play a pivotal part in driving our engagement with regulatory and political stakeholders as we continue to manage change and raise industry standards in the Australian life insurance sector.

“Stephen has an impressive depth of knowledge and proven track-record to drive change. He will be instrumental to MetLife as we continue to strengthen our offering in the individual insurance space, working closely with our key partners.”

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The latest enhancements include a school fees protector, an optional benefit to cover primary and secondary school tuition fees should the parent die or be permanently unable to work; and a carer’s allowance benefit, which will pay an income for up to six months, in the event the individual insured has to give up work to care for a sick child.

AIA Australia’s Chief Marketing Officer, Tim Tez, said the enhancements are in direct response to adviser feedback and continued to address Australia’s underinsurance problem.

“These enhancements have been made with Australian families front of mind. At the end of the day, we take out life cover to protect those we love in the event something unfortunate happens. These additional benefits are designed to ease the huge burden a parent may face when they are unable to work due to their own illness, or worse, the illness of a child. AIA Australia is committed to providing comprehensive, flexible cover that addresses the real needs and concerns of Australians,” said Mr Tez.

Changing working arrangements drive more flexible cover

The trend towards flexible working hours has led AIA Australia to enhance its Total Permanent Disability (TPD) and Income Protection (IP) benefits to include eligibility for those who work part-time or casual hours, or are engaged solely in home duties.

Under the new enhancements, AIA Australia has introduced TPD eligibility for those working part-time hours, that is, at least 15 hours per week. In line with this, AIA Australia has increased eligibility for IP by reducing the number of part time hours needed to be worked, down to 20 hours per week for white collar and professional occupations*.

Recognising the work of homemakers, AIA Australia has also introduced IP for people working in home duties to provide a monthly income stream for the family if they become totally disabled.

“An increasing number of Australians now work part-time or casual hours, which can make a significant contribution to the financial security of many families. Even if the family’s main earner continues to work, but the partner working part-time or casual hours is no longer able to work as a result of a disability – this can add substantial financial pressure to the family at an already stressful time,” Mr Tez said.

In addition to working more flexible hours, Australians’ increasing longevity, is also changing the face of Australia’s workforce.

The need for many baby boomers to continue working past the traditional retirement age of 65 in order to generate adequate retirement savings, has seen AIA Australia extend its Income Protection benefit to include workers up to the age of 70.

New changes also include true level premiums to age 70 for life cover, TPD and crisis recovery benefits. True level premiums use the client’s age at their next birthday at the time the cover commenced to calculate the benefit indexation increase in premiums. This differs from level premiums which use the client’s age at next birthday at the date of the increase, meaning a client’s premium will rise more steeply, than the more gradual premium rises from a true level premium methodology. AIA Australia is one of only two insurers to offer true level premiums to age 70.

“As part of our continual improvement process, we take a step back and ask ourselves and our adviser partners, what are the issues facing Australians on a day to day basis and how can we support them in their time of need? These days there’s mounting financial pressure on families of all shapes and sizes and life insurance has a critical role to play in supporting Australians as their circumstances change – be that health or work related,” Mr Tez concluded.

*AAA, AA and A occupations.

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