AIA New Zealand has appointed four new national sales managers across key divisions.
These appointments are intended to align with adviser needs and evolving market demands.
Aaron Gilmore (pictured above) has been promoted to lead the retail sales segment.
He joined the company last year as a Vitality Coach and has since moved into regional business development leadership.
His professional background includes roles focused on sales performance, coaching, and channel engagement.
Carley Ellis (pictured immediately below) assumes responsibility for the aligned advice channel.
With nearly 20 years in financial services, Ellis brings experience in client-facing financial advice and strategic development.
Her appointment is expected to support adviser partnerships aligned to AIA’s long-term distribution plans.
Sarah Hepper (pictured immediately below), a long-standing contributor to the corporate segment, will oversee Corporate Solutions.
Hepper has over 25 years in the insurance industry and a significant tenure with AIA NZ.
Her new role focuses on expanding capabilities in the employee benefits and workplace insurance markets.
Nick Russell (pictured immediately below), appointed to manage the home loan distribution channel, has worked extensively with mortgage advisers.
Russell’s remit will include enhancing the insurer’s position within home loan advisory services through adviser training and business development.
Commenting on the leadership appointments, chief distribution officer Angela Busby said the company is focused on adviser-centric growth.
“Aaron, Carley, Sarah, and Nick bring a wealth of experience, energy, and insight to their roles, and we’re excited to see them continue to deliver outstanding support to advisers across our industry,” she said.
In 2024, AIA NZ retained its Advanced GenderTick certification for a second year.
First awarded to the company in 2020, the recognition assessed organisational performance in five areas: pay parity, leadership diversity, flexibility, safety, and inclusive practices.
Initiatives supporting the award included the rollout of gender affirmation policies and resources supporting women’s health, such as a menopause education toolkit.
In parallel with leadership changes, AIA NZ paid out $829.6 million in claims during 2024, marking a $95 million increase from the previous year, according to its Claims Compass report. Growth was most notable in life, trauma, and health-related claims.
Mental health claims totalled $25.7 million, including $8.1 million related to suicide. The highest claim volumes came from individuals aged 40 to 59, with men forming a substantial proportion. Those aged 40 to 49 accounted for over $6 million in claims, with slightly lower figures in the next age group.
The insurer invested more than $1.3 million in rehabilitation services, with over half targeting mental health. This included therapy services, in-home visits, and support tailored to individual health goals.
