Two old timers leave AIA in distribution makeover

AIA rejigs its distribution team with the former head of IFA and group distribution, and head of aligned advice also leaving.

Thursday, May 8th 2025, 5:08PM

Long serving AIA and Sovereign, Anna Schubert, has left the company as has its and head of aligned advice, Jack Newman.

“Anna has been a part of our family for an incredible 29 years. In her time here at AIA NZ, and at Sovereign, she has led significant change and growth in the adviser distribution space," AIA chief distribution officer Angela Busby says.

"Her love for our industry is evident to all who know her, and we will miss her presence in the team,“ Busby says.

“Jack has spent almost 10years at AIA NZ, and his dedication to our industry and his passion and belief in our purpose of Healthier, Longer, Better Lives has been of great value to our team.”

With their departure Hannah Anderson has been appointed as head of retail distribution, and Ben McQuay as head of corporate solutions.

“They are both highly experienced in business development and relationship management and have a strong track record of delivering great results for our advisers and distribution partners. I know their passion for our industry and their focus on growth will serve them well as they step into these roles,” Busby says.

Anderson joined AIA in 2021, beginning as a business development manager in Christchurch office, before stepping up to regional sales manager for the Southern region. Prior to joining AIA, she developed her expertise in business development and leadership through various roles at Les Mills, Air New Zealand, and Coca-Cola.

In her new role she leads a team of business development managers within AIA’s IFA, aligned advice, and home loans distribution channels.

McQuay has more than 13 years’ experience with the AIA NZ team, joining the organisation from his prior role at ACC. He has held various sales and business development roles, most recently as national sales manager – strategic accounts.

He leads the group insurance distribution team, supporting significant long-standing relationships with organisations across New Zealand, while identifying and establishing new opportunities for growth within this important distribution channel.

Tags: AIA