Fidelity Life, New Zealand’s largest locally owned life insurer, has announced the appointment of chief operating officer Ian Clancy (pictured) as acting chief executive officer from April 3. Clancy will replace Melissa Cantell, who will step down on March 31.
He will be leading the life insurer for six months whilst its board searches for a permanent CEO.
Clancy has extensive leadership experience within the financial services sector, and he has led major operations and transformation programs across large organisations in Australia, UK, and New Zealand.
Fidelity Life chair Brian Blake said that the board has worked closely with Clancy in his current role of COO and that they are confident in his ability to guide the company through the next half year.
“As COO he has had accountability for our enterprise transformation and has played a key role in progressing Fidelity Life’s customer led strategy over the two years that he has been with us,” Blake said. “We’re delighted with Ian’s appointment and are looking forward to working with him in his new capacity over the coming months.”
While Cantell will be stepping down on the last day of March, she will remain in the business during April to support a smooth transition to Clancy. Her last day with Fidelity Life will be on April 28.
In the press release, Blake thanked Cantell for her leadership and achievements over the last two-and-a-half years, as well as wishing her well in her next role as the CEO of Aon NZ.
“Fidelity Life is in a strong position and, with Ian in place as acting CEO, it’s very much business as usual for our people, our advisers and our partners,” Blake said. “We’re united behind our purpose to give New Zealanders certainty to enjoy a more rewarding life and are fully focussed on helping more New Zealanders get the benefits of insurance protection.”
Fidelity Life also recently named a new head of regulatory affairs, with former ASB Bank head of government relations and regulatory affairs Sam Kelly taking over the role.
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