AIA NZ’s CEO Nick Stanhope has returned to the office following a three-month period of extended leave and he’s looking forward to reconnecting with industry players.
He says the past two years have been challenging for the firm with very few employees working in any of the company’s offices.
“I feel we need to start getting back to more of a ‘business as usual’ mindset,” he says.
“It really felt like we were all in survival mode for a large part of last year, and I look forward to having more in-person interactions, reconnecting at events, and getting out there to see our advisers and business partners.”
Stanhope says his team is currently exploring ways to extend the firm’s current insurance pool.
“I’m excited about what AIA could create by leveraging our global support network,” he says.
The traditional new business risk market is in decline…
“The traditional new business risk market is in decline, and we want to help close the protection gap by addressing unmet customer needs through focussing on seamless digital and affordable solutions.”
Meanwhile, Stanhope has appeared on the annual Insurance Business Global 100 list for the third year running. The list recognises industry leaders helping to drive change across the insurance sector.
“I’m pleased to once again be recognised,” says Stanhope, adding that he is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities 2022 presents for AIA.
“This year brings further conduct regulation with the Financial Markets (Conduct of Financial Institutions) Amendment Bill (CoFi) later this year, and AIA is focused on making sure we have the right tools in place to support our people, partners and the wider industry in complying with these new requirements.”
Sharron Botica, who stood in as Acting CEO during Stanhope’s absence, has returned to her role as the company’s Chief Customer and Digital Officer.