Michael Weston will take over leading Partners Life from early March next year.

He will come to Partners Life directly from his role as Asia, Head of Strategy and Transformation for Manulife, based in Hong Kong.

Partners Life chairman Jim Minto says “Michael’s extensive background in financial services operational, transformational, and strategy roles, coupled with his in-depth knowledge of multiple international markets makes him an ideal candidate to continue Partners Life’s journey of using intelligent innovation and excellent execution to deliver outstanding customer and stakeholder value.”

Naomi Ballantyne believes that Weston will fit perfectly into the Partners Life culture of kindness and restlessness that she believes epitomises Partners Life.

“Michael will have an outstanding executive team around and behind him, who are excited to help him move Partners Life into its next phase of growth. I feel extremely content that Partners Life and all of its people will be in very good hands with Michael at the helm and I can’t wait to watch their progress from the retirement side-lines.”

Weston, who is originally Australian, and his Kiwi wife are excited to be ‘’coming home’’ to New Zealand and to Partners Life.

“I am honoured to have been appointed as the new CEO. I admire Naomi’s contribution to the insurance industry and the incredible foundation built by her and the team at Partners Life. I am privileged to join a team committed to making a difference for customers and the community, driving growth while delivering value for the parent, Dai-ichi Life.”

He has been with Manulife for eight years; prior to that he was with ANZ in Australia and Hong Kong for two years. Earlier in his career spent 11 years with the Australian Army as an army officer.

Weston takes over on March 4, and Ballantyne will retire on March 31.

She will continue her relationship with Dai-ichi Life Group in an advisory role for the Asia Pacific region.