Acenda Group has announced the appointment of its new Group Leadership Team, a key milestone as it prepares for the establishment of the Acenda Group.

The appointments will take effect upon completion of Nippon Life’s global acquisition of Resolution Life which is expected to occur at the end of the month.

The Group Leadership Team will report to Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chris de Bruin upon completion of the transaction:

• Sean McCormack - appointed Group Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing product and distribution, and supporting the Group’s planned expansion into longevity and retirement solutions.
• Andrew Beevors – appointed Group Claims and Innovation Officer, responsible for the Group’s Claims function and driving innovation in claims and customer care.
• Lisa Hayes – appointed Group General Counsel, responsible for leading the Group’s Legal and Corporate Services functions.
• Peter Histon – appointed Group Chief Information Officer, leading the Group’s infrastructure transformation, modernisation, and data initiatives.
• John Lucey – appointed Group Chief Investment Officer, leading the Group’s investment strategy and management of investment portfolios. 
• Grant Willis – remains CEO of Asteron Life in New Zealand. Grant will join the Acenda Group Leadership Team and report to the Asteron Life Board.
• Jane Murray – continues as Chief Operating Officer for Acenda Life.
• Yvonne Le Bas – appointed Group Chief Financial Officer (previously announced).
• Karen Malzard – appointed Group Chief Risk Officer (previously announced).
• Nupur Bhushan has been appointed Interim Group Chief People Officer to support the business through its initial phase of integration, while a search is ongoing for this role. Nupur is an experienced People and Commercial leader and brings experience leading through transformations, including roles at WiseTech and ResMed.

Mr Chris de Bruin, future Group CEO of the Acenda Group said:

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of these highly experienced executives to our future leadership team.

“These appointments will be instrumental in leading the formation of the Acenda Group, as we aim to build a bigger, more dynamic business focused on growth, innovation and exceptional customer outcomes.

“The appointment of our new Group Chief Commercial Officer, Sean McCormack, is central to our strategy ensuring we position the business to capture growth by maximising our product and distribution capabilities. 

“Together, our new leaders unite strong operational expertise, deep customer understanding, and strategic insight that will help drive our growth ambitions and transform how we support our customers and partners.”