Fidelity Life has appointed Campbell Mitchell as its new chief executive replacing Melissa Cantell who left earlier this year to take up a role with Non.

As Suncorp’s chief customer officer, Mitchell is accountable for general insurance revenue and customer experience, marketing, brand and sustainability across general and life insurance (including Asteron Life), while building strong relationships with Suncorp’s distribution network of partners and brokers.

Prior to insurance, Mitchell had a successful career in the media industry, first as a journalist in New Zealand and the UK, before progressing into executive roles in digital, marketing, sales and strategy with Fairfax Media / Stuff and NewsCorp in Australia.

Mitchell will join Fidelity Life in October from Suncorp New Zealand, where he is currently chief customer officer. Ian Clancy will remain as acting chief executive until Mitchell joins.

Fidelity Life chairman Brian Blake says a robust process determined that Mitchell was the best fit to lead the company.

“The board is delighted with Campbell’s appointment. We’re impressed with his strong track record of enabling high performing teams and leading transformation projects. He has held executive responsibilities for a broad range of functions at Suncorp, including customer, sales, claims, operations, marketing and corporate affairs, as well as being acting chief executive of Suncorp New Zealand from time to time."

“However the fit with our business, our culture and our team is equally important, and that’s where Campbell clearly stood out.”

In his LinkedIn profile Mitchell says he is "anchored by a deep understanding of, and passion for, the customer."

He goes on to say he has a "proven record as a transformational, results-oriented and collaborative executive leader of diverse and cross-functional teams. Success in improving team engagement and alignment internally and increasing customer and consumer value externally."

He lists his traits as a strategic and innovative thinker, balancing strong analytical skills with bold creativity and has had new product successes in digital, mobile and social. 

He is an "award winning marketer recognised for brand, membership, sponsorship, digital, events and content marketing successes."

Most recently he was recognised as Insurance Leader of the Year at the 2021 ANZIIF Insurance Industry Awards for Collaboration and Advocacy in bringing New Zealand's new Natural Disaster Response model to life.