Fidelity Life has created the new role of chief operating officer on its executive team, with Ian Clancy appointed as its inaugural holder.

Clancy’s appointment will be effective May 17, and he reports to CEO Melissa Cantell.

As chief operating officer, Clancy’s main duty will be to accelerate the insurer’s customer-led transformation.

“Ian will focus on setting us up to successfully deliver all the exciting plans we have to reimagine life insurance for New Zealanders,” said Cantell. “This means Ian’s accountable for bringing our transformation strategy to life, and also for our high performance culture, which will ensure we’re agile, adaptive and ready to transform.  We’re delighted to have someone of Ian’s calibre joining our team.”

Throughout his career, Clancy has gained extensive experience leading large operations and major transformation programmes. He joins Fidelity Life after a seven-year stint with IAG New Zealand. Previously, he held senior roles across the financial services industry in New Zealand, Australia and the UK, such as with Fisher & Paykel Finance and Royal Bank of Canada.