AMP New Zealand has announced the appointment of the executive team for AMP Wealth Management New Zealand.
The team will be responsible for delivering its growth strategy and providing high-quality advice, services and greater benefits to clients.
“As we complete the separation and sale of AMP’s life insurance businesses (AMP Life) through 2019, we will establish AMP Wealth Management New Zealand as a standalone business 100% owned by AMP, with a single-minded focus on providing best in class retail investment, retirement solutions and advice for clients,” said AMP Wealth Management New Zealand CEO, Blair Vernon.
“This is underpinned by the highly experienced and committed executive team we have announced today.”
The executive team includes:
- Blair Vernon, Chief Executive
- Dhaya Sivakumar, Chief Operating Officer
- Jeff Ruscoe, Chief Client Officer
- Melanie Smith, GM, Employee Experience & Corporate Services
- Jeff Mitchell, Chief Financial Officer
- Tim Pritchard, General Counsel
- Mark Ennis, CEO AdviceFirst
“We will begin to transition to the new structure ahead of the AMP Life transaction, but until the separation is complete we are firmly focused on continuing to run our current business and supporting our clients, advisers and communities in the same ways we do today,” Vernon said.
AMP confirmed in February that it had deferred any further consideration of an IPO to focus on the separation of its life and wealth businesses (see: AMP New Zealand defers IPO…).
“This will further enable AMP Wealth Management New Zealand to become a specialised provider of wealth management and advice, which presents exciting opportunities to further enhance our offering to help even more clients achieve their financial goals and an aspirational retirement,” said Vernon, adding there are no changes for AMP clients.
Regarding AMP Life, executive team appointments have also been confirmed.
AMP New Zealand’s Therese Singleton will be Executive General Manager New Zealand and Simon Hoole has been appointed Chief Financial Officer for the Australasian business.
“Therese and Simon’s appointments will help to provide continuity for clients, advisers and employees during the transition,” said Vernon.
“They each have deep knowledge and experience of our business and the financial services industry more broadly, which along with having a clear focus on servicing existing policyholders will help to deliver significant benefits for AMP Life’s advisers and life insurance clients.”
AMP also announced changes to its leadership team last month (see: AMP Announces…).