Andries van Graan, currently chief of adviser distribution, will now become chief distribution officer. His new role is all part of a drive by Partners Life to strengthen and diversify distribution. This will include strengthening partnerships with independent financial advisers through overseeing greater investment in Partners Life’s Adviser Distribution Manager team, training, and service innovation.

At the same time, van Graan will be working to amplify Partners Life’s customer referral partnership with BNZ. 

Kate Dron, currently chief and Appointed Actuary, will now become chief customer solutions officer. Dron will ultimately be responsible for ensuring that Partners Life’s customer-centric solutions service a wide range of customer needs with a particular focus on enhanced simplicity and accessibility. 

Dron will collaborate closely with the technology teams on leveraging Partners Life’s modern platforms and expertise, by establishing a business led data, analytics, and insights team. This team will develop greater customer insights, new products, and services. They will also be focussing on superior customer, business partner, and employee experience.

Partners Life chief executive Michael Weston says: “I’m excited that Andries and Kate are taking on these newly created roles. They are seasoned industry professionals with an outstanding track record. By leveraging their expertise, Partners Life will continue to be at the forefront of our exciting and ever-changing industry focussed on building a brighter and more secure future for New Zealanders.”