Partners gets a new chair

Partners Life gets a new chair to lead growth strategy.

Wednesday, December 4th 2024, 8:39AM

Mary-Jane Daly (MJ) has taken over as chair of Partners Life replacing Jim Minto.

Minto joined the board in February 2017 and has been the chairman for eight years.

During his leadership he oversaw the acquisition agreement of BNZ Life Insurance in 2020, which was completed in 2022. He also facilitated the transition of Partners Life to being a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Group Holdings Limited in 2022 following the shareholder sale process.

Minto says, “I’m proud to have contributed to Partners Life’s growth from a startup to a market leader with diversified distribution operating as a part of Dai-ichi Life. MJ is the ideal person to lead the board going forward and to fulfil our strategy and brand promise.”

Daly is a professional independent director with more than 10 years’ experience. She serves as chair of AIG Insurance New Zealand and is chair of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Fund. She is an independent director of Kiwi Property Group and Kiwibank.

She previously served as a board member of Auckland Transport, Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tu Ake, Cigna Life Insurance, Airways Corporation of New Zealand, and the New Zealand Green Building Council. Her executive experience includes roles in banking and insurance in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Daly’s appointment comes during a period of significant change in the sector. Her experience will enhance Partners Life’s strategic priority to build a brighter and more secure future for New Zealanders.

Ms Daly will assume the role of Chair on 1 February 2025, with a two-month handover period to facilitate the transition.

Tags: Partners Life