Acenda Group has announced the appointment of its new Group Leadership Team, marking a significant milestone as it prepares for the establishment of the Acenda Group following Nippon Life’s global acquisition of Resolution Life.
The appointments will take effect once the transaction completes, which is expected at the end of the month. The new leadership team will report to group chief executive officer Chris de Bruin.
Sean McCormack has been appointed group chief commercial officer, responsible for product and distribution and supporting the Group’s planned expansion into longevity and retirement solutions.
Andrew Beevors becomes group claims and innovation officer, leading the Group’s Claims function and driving innovation in claims and customer care.
Lisa Hayes has been appointed group general counsel, where she will lead the Group’s legal and corporate services functions, while Peter Histon becomes group chief information officer, overseeing infrastructure transformation, modernisation and data initiatives.
John Lucey has been appointed group chief investment officer and will lead investment strategy and portfolio management.
Grant Willis will remain CEO of Asteron Life in New Zealand and will join the Acenda Group Leadership Team, reporting to the Asteron Life Board. Jane Murray continues as chief operating officer for Acenda Life.
Previously announced appointments include Yvonne Le Bas as group chief financial officer and Karen Malzard as group chief risk officer.
Nupur Bhushan has been appointed interim group chief people officer to support the initial phase of integration while a permanent search is underway.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of these highly experienced executives to our future leadership team,” said de Bruin.
“These appointments will be instrumental in leading the formation of the Acenda Group, as we aim to build a bigger, more dynamic business focused on growth, innovation and exceptional customer outcomes.”
He said the appointment of McCormack as group chief commercial officer is central to the strategy of positioning the business for growth by maximising product and distribution capabilities.
De Bruin said the new leadership team brings together operational expertise, customer insight and strategic capability.
“Together, our new leaders unite strong operational expertise, deep customer understanding, and strategic insight that will help drive our growth ambitions and transform how we support our customers and partners.”