Risk People as at 19 November 2019

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New Appointments

TAL announces senior appointments

After a structural realignment to suit the Australian life insurance market better, and after the integration of the Asteron Life business, TAL has undergone some leadership changes.

  • Tim Thorne - formerly TAL chief distribution officer - now chief commercial officer of individual life

  • Andrew Howard - formerly TAL chief commercial officer - now chief commercial officer of group life and investments

  • Darren Wickham - now executive manager of group life

  • Gavin Teichner - now executive general manager of individual life

  • Jenny Oliver - formerly general manager of group insurance - now chief claims officer

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Departures

Hillross loses dealer group head

Dean Thomas, Hillross Financial Services managing director, is leaving the dealer group to take on a role as chief of advice at Mortgage Choice. Thomas was in the role for three years. Thomas is replacing Tania Milnes who was with Mortgage Choice for 14 years.

CBA loses private banking executive

Adam Bennett, group executive of business and private banking, is leaving the group early in 2020 after 15 years with the bank.

Suncorp banking and wealth CEO resigns

David Carter has resigned as the chief executive of Suncorp’s banking and wealth division, heading to RACQ. Carter has been in the chief role for the past three years, but with Suncorp since 2006.

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Awards

Plan For Life/AFA Life Company of the Year Awards

TAL has done well at the PFL/AFA awards, taking home the Life Company of the Year Award, while also winning the trauma and critical illness protection awards. MLC won the income protection award, Challenger won the annuity provider of the year award, and AIA Australia won best term life and total and permanent disability protection. Zurich came out on top for service quality and best business development team, taking home a Consumer Choice award for best turnaround times.

BT Financial Group won in the consumer choice categories, with head of claims Neil Borthwick taking home six awards for value for money, most satisfied customer, best application process, best claims staff and focus on early intervention. OnePath won the Consumer Choice Award return for return to health and wellness.