AIA New Zealand has appointed an Acting Chief Customer Officer to cover parental leave from mid-October 2026.

AIA New Zealand has announced the appointment of Travis Higgins as Acting Chief Customer Officer, effective from 16 October 2026.

The appointment follows Chief Customer Officer Maddie Sherlock announcing she will take parental leave later this year as she prepares to welcome her second child.

Higgins brings 18 years' experience at AIA New Zealand, having held senior leadership roles including Head of Claims, Head of Customer Operations, and currently Head of Aligned Advice. Through these roles, he has built strong relationships across the AIA New Zealand business, with advisers and across the wider industry.

AIA New Zealand CEO Nick Stanhope says Higgins is well placed to lead the Customer function during Sherlock's absence.

"Higgins is a respected leader with a deep understanding of our business, our customers and our adviser partners. His broad experience across claims, operations and advice positions him well to provide continuity, support our teams and maintain momentum across our customer strategy during this period."

Higgins says: "I look forward to working closely with our people, advisers and partners to deliver positive outcomes for our customers and help New Zealanders live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives."

Higgins will work alongside Sherlock over the next two months before taking up the role in mid-October. He will remain Acting Chief Customer Officer until Sherlock returns from parental leave in June 2027.