Barbara Chapman announced as Chair of the Asteron Life New Zealand Board

13 August 2026

Acenda Group Chair Craig Dunn has announced that highly experienced director and business leader Barbara Chapman will become the Chair of Asteron Life New Zealand Ltd effective from September 2026. The appointment has been made in preparation for the Acenda Group’s proposal to combine Asteron Life and Resolution Life New Zealand into a single entity, subject to regulatory approval. The combined entity intends to operate under the Acenda Life New Zealand brand.

Simon Tyler, current Chair of Asteron Life New Zealand will remain a member of the Board, following his exceptional stewardship of the business as it separated from former parent, Suncorp.  

Mr Dunn said the full Board composition will be established as part of the planned transition to Acenda Life New Zealand in 2027 and reflects the move to a single governance structure for the combined organisation, an entity backed by the global strength and long-term commitment of Nippon Life.

“Barbara Chapman is one of New Zealand’s most respected business leaders, with deep experience across financial services and customer-focused organisations,” said Craig Dunn.  

Ms Chapman was formerly CEO of ASB, and CEO at Sovereign. Her current roles include serving as Chair of Genesis Energy and as an independent director for Bank of New Zealand.

Ms Chapman said the transition to Acenda Life New Zealand represents an important moment for the life insurance sector.

“Acenda Life New Zealand will bring together significant capability, experience and financial strength at a time when New Zealanders are looking for confidence and certainty,” said Ms Chapman.

“I look forward to working with the Board and management team to support the successful transition to Acenda Life and its long-term contribution to New Zealand.”

The Board composition will begin to transition over the coming months and the other directors to serve alongside Barbara Chapman will be announced shortly.  

Mr Dunn said that Acenda Life New Zealand has the backing of one of the world’s leading mutual life insurance companies and Japan’s largest private asset owner, Nippon Life, following their 2025 acquisition of Resolution Life globally.

“Nippon Life brings global scale, deep insurance expertise and long-term financial strength to our business as we look to establish Acenda Life in New Zealand, subject to regulatory approval,” said Mr Dunn.

“Nippon Life’s significant investment in our region reflects a clear commitment to New Zealand and gives Acenda Life strong foundations for the future.

“The life insurance industry in New Zealand has undergone significant change in recent years, shaped by the interplay of consumer, economic and regulatory factors.

“Acenda Life New Zealand will be leading the way in responding to these challenges and opportunities, with our customers’ needs always front of mind.” 

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