Acenda Group Chair Craig Dunn has announced that highly experienced director and business leader Barbara Chapman will become the Chair of Asteron Life New Zealand effective from September 2026.
The company says the appointment has been made in preparation for the Acenda Group’s proposal to combine Asteron Life and Resolution Life New Zealand into a single entity, subject to regulatory approval. This new combined entity intends to operate under the Acenda Life New Zealand brand (see: Asteron Life, Resolution Life to Become Acenda Life).
Simon Tyler, current Chair of Asteron Life New Zealand, will remain a member of the Board “…following his exceptional stewardship of the business as it separated from former parent, Suncorp.”
Dunn says the full board composition will be established as part of the planned transition to Acenda Life New Zealand in 2027 and reflects the move to a single governance structure for the combined organisation, an entity backed by the global strength and long-term commitment of Nippon Life.
“Barbara Chapman is one of New Zealand’s most respected business leaders, with deep experience across financial services and customer-focused organisations,” says Dunn.
She was formerly CEO of ASB, and CEO at Sovereign. Her current roles include serving as Chair of Genesis Energy and as an independent director for the Bank of New Zealand.
Chapman says the transition to Acenda Life New Zealand represents an important moment for the life insurance sector.
“Acenda Life New Zealand will bring together significant capability, experience and financial strength at a time when New Zealanders are looking for confidence and certainty. I look forward to working with the Board and management team to support the successful transition to Acenda Life and its long-term contribution to New Zealand.”
…the other directors to serve alongside Chapman will be announced shortly…
The company says the board composition will begin to transition over the coming months and the other directors to serve alongside Chapman will be announced shortly.
Dunn says that Acenda Life NZ has the backing of one of the world’s leading mutual life insurance companies and Japan’s largest private asset owner, Nippon Life, following its 2025 acquisition of Resolution Life globally.
“Nippon Life brings global scale, deep insurance expertise and long-term financial strength to our business as we look to establish Acenda Life in New Zealand, subject to regulatory approval,” he says.
“Nippon Life’s significant investment in our region reflects a clear commitment to New Zealand and gives Acenda Life strong foundations for the future.”