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Asteron Life New Zealand appoints four non-executive directors

Asteron Chair Barbara Chapman. (Image: Supplied)
Wednesday 2nd of September 2026

Asteron Life New Zealand has appointed four new non-executive directors to its board.

Newly appointed Chair of the Asteron Life New Zealand Board, Barbara Chapman, has announced the appointments of Simon Tyler, Keith Taylor, Anne Blackburn and Rachel Walsh as non-executive directors.

The appointments support Acenda Group's proposal to bring Asteron Life and Resolution Life New Zealand together under a single life insurance company, subject to regulatory approval.

Together, the directors bring extensive experience in governance, life insurance, banking, investments and risk management, along with experience in other large, highly regulated industries.

Chapman said the board appointments reflect the scale, significance and future ambition of the business that intends to operate as Acenda Life New Zealand from 2027.

"Tyler, Taylor, Blackburn and Walsh bring extensive governance and leadership expertise from across banking, financial services and other relevant industries," said Chapman.

"We have assembled a capable board, with the skills, perspectives and experience needed to guide our business through this important transition, and support our customers, people and partners as we prepare to operate under a single brand."

In due course, directors Julia Raue, Alison O'Connell, Michael Schubert and Karen Scheirlinck will retire from their roles on the Asteron Life, New Zealand Policyholder Advisory Committee and Resolution Life New Zealand boards respectively, as part of planned governance consolidation.

"On behalf of the Asteron Life New Zealand business, I thank Raue for the important role she has played in leading the people-first strategy that underpinned Asteron Life's successful separation from Suncorp.

"O'Connell, Scheirlinck and Schubert provided invaluable stewardship for the Resolution Life business through periods of change and transformation, helping to establish the foundations for our future organisation.

"On behalf of Asteron Life New Zealand and the Acenda Group, I thank them for their service and wish them every success as they continue their governance careers."

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