Fidelity Life has announced the expansion of its sales and support team with a new Business Manager appointed and two further appointments yet to be revealed.
Jenn Quinn is a new Business Manager, providing support for the Wellington/Central region.
Two more roles have been filled for a Business Manager and a Business Account Manager, which Fidelity confirmed will be announced later this week.
The insurer launched a new sales and support model in December last year to help advisers achieve their business goals and deliver good customer outcomes.
The new model included the creation of the new Business Manager and Business Account Manager roles.
The Business Manager acts like a business coach for advisers, focusing on providing advice and guidance with business planning, practice development and support through regulatory change.
The Auckland-based Business Account Managers are relationship roles focused on supporting the broader adviser channel.
Fidelity Life Chief Distribution Officer, Adrian Riminton, says early feedback from advisers on the new approach has been positive.
“We have six primary points of contact for advisers so they are well supported,” he said.
He said the Business Managers help a business with what they need to do regarding regulatory requirements and how it can become a sustainable business.
Explaining the thinking behind the establishment of the new roles, he added:
“With the amount of change that is going on, these adviser businesses need more than the traditional BDM role is providing in our view. In order to make sure these businesses are going to survive and thrive in the new environment they need a greater level of support.”
Previously announced Business Managers based in the regions include:
- Auckland/Northland – Peter Warfield
- Waikato/Bay of Plenty – Andrea Reid
- Canterbury/Upper South Island – Gary Binnie
- Otago/Southland – David Telfer
Business Account Managers, Ciara Thompson and Anna Frecklington, based in Auckland, also provide phone-based support to advisers country-wide.
It also noted that existing support provided by the insurer’s Key Account Managers, Sales Support, Professional Development, Underwriting and New Business teams will continue.