Hobson Leavy is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Armstrong as an Independent Director of the Suncorp’s New Zealand Boards (Vero New Zealand Insurance , Vero Liability Insurance and Asteron Life ), effective May 4, 2020.
Suncorp New Zealand chair David Flacks said the boards have been reviewing their composition and skills mix since Geoff Ricketts stepped down in December 2019. “We were particularly interested in a director who can enable strong customer outcomes across our life and general insurance businesses,” Flacks said.
“We have found an excellent candidate in Kate – she has extensive financial and legal expertise combined with a particular interest in helping New Zealanders build financially resilient lives. Her deep experience in banking has seen her take on both strategic and operational executive leadership roles and includes strong insurance experience.”
During her seven years at Westpac up to 2016, Armstrong held roles as head of legal for Westpac’s Institutional Bank, head of insurance and investments and was chief operating officer for the bank’s consumer and wealth division.Most recently, Armstrong consulted to Westpac Life, leading its financial services conduct review programme.
Additionally, she is a director and trustee of the New Zealand Housing Foundation and a board trustee for North Harbour Budgeting Services. Previously, Armstrong served on the board of the Financial Services Council.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University, Wellington.
Congratulations Kate.
