Fidelity Life makes three senior hires to support its strategy to ‘re-launch and re-define’ its adviser channel experience.
Media release
10 October 2023
New Zealand’s largest locally owned life insurer Fidelity Life has made key appointments in its Sales and Service team, as it continues to double-down on its commitment to the adviser channel.
Reporting to Fidelity Life’s Chief Sales and Service Officer Bronwyn Kirwan, David Winspear has been appointed to take on the newly created role of Head of Channel Strategy, and Michelle Doyle has been appointed as the new Head of Solutions following a comprehensive market search.
Kylie Oldham has also been hired as Senior Group Insurance Business Manager, supporting Fidelity Life’s growing group insurance portfolio and will report to Fidelity Life’s Head of Group Insurance, Anita Los’e.
Fidelity Life Chief Sales and Service Officer Bronwyn Kirwan says these appointments will help the business execute on its strategy to ‘re-launch and re-define’ its adviser channel experience.
“These key hires demonstrate some of the steps we’re taking to ensure we follow through on the commitment we’ve made to our advisers. Alongside the significant investment we’re making across our digital, service, product and retention initiatives, we’re investing heavily in our leadership capabilities and people in support of our wider strategic intentions.
“We’re excited to welcome Dave, Michelle and Kylie onboard to help us deliver the exciting roadmap ahead, and I’m looking forward to seeing the unique perspectives and skills they bring to their respective roles,” says Bronwyn.
David Winspear – Head of Channel Strategy.
In the newly created Head of Channel Strategy role, David will be leading the design and delivery of Fidelity Life’s channel strategy, focused on uplifting the company’s franchise appeal and delivering sustainable growth across its advisers and strategic alliance partners, including its bancassurance channel.
David has held numerous leadership and consultant roles within financial services, and most recently, has been the Managing Director of Sydney-based boutique consulting firm Partnering Excellence. In that role, he supported many financial service providers developing B2B distribution strategies, business development structures and account management frameworks including for Fidelity Life. Prior to this, he held senior roles at TAL Australia spanning Head of Health, Head of Business Development and Head of Alliances.
Michelle Doyle – Head of Solutions.
Michelle joins Fidelity Life from AIA NZ where she was most recently Senior Manager AIA Vitality. She’s also held roles as Business Regulatory Lead and Integration Lead at the life and health insurer, and served as Sovereign’s Head of Business Performance and Head of Learning and Development prior to its acquisition by AIA. She is also an experienced business owner having founded and run a large-scale commercial fitout organisation for ten years before being called back into the world of insurance.
As Fidelity Life’s Head of Solutions, Michelle will be accountable for the company’s adviser channel solutions, professional development programmes (including the recently announced Adviser edge) and Fidelity Life’s in-house adviser team, Fid.
Kylie Oldham – Senior Group Insurance Business Manager.
A seasoned group insurance professional, Kylie has more than 15 years’ experience in the group insurance space, having worked in technical pricing and business development for both AIA NZ and Chubb. Having successfully grown the insurers’ group insurance portfolios, she has a strong track record and her most recent role with Chubb saw her help grow the group business from its infancy to a significant market player over a two-year period.
As Senior Group Insurance Business Manager, Kylie will be responsible for developing Fidelity Life’s strong group insurance portfolio and expanding its market presence with new propositions, technology, sustainable pricing and commercial terms.
“Between successfully appointing these key senior hires in the Sales and Service team, welcoming a new CEO, and implementing the exciting initiatives unveiled at our flagship adviser conference, Engage, Fidelity Life is in a strong position to reconnect with advisers.
“We’re well and truly getting back in the game and are committed to helping take advisers’ careers and businesses to the next level, so we can collectively help more New Zealanders protect their way of life,” concludes Bronwyn.
