Fidelity Life has appointed Adrian Riminton to the new role of chief distribution officer.

Riminton will be responsible for driving Fidelity Life’s unified distribution strategy, including retail, group and strategic alliances. He will start his role in October, and report directly to chief executive Nadine Tereora as part of the firm’s senior leadership team.

Tereora says Fidelity Life values the important role of independent financial advice in ensuring Kiwis get access to the insurance protection they need.

“We’re delighted to have someone of Adrian’s calibre join our team. His deep industry and adviser channel experience mean that he is well-equipped to lead the charge on our unified distribution approach, meaning we can deliver a consistently high quality solution to our wide range of audiences.

“We are committed to advisers continuing to be core to our distribution strategy. We recognise and value the important role our 2700-strong independent adviser network plays in ensuring their clients and our customers have access to the right advice and insurance protection. Adrian and his team will also ensure we’re responsive to the changing customer, regulatory and technological landscape.”

Riminton has a strong background in insurance and adviser networks, and is currently leading customer strategy for icare NSW, Australia’s largest general insurance services provider delivering insurance and care services on behalf of the New South Wales Government.

Prior to icare NSW he held senior executive positions at Zurich Financial Services in Australia and New Zealand and at Sovereign Insurance.

Riminton says he is excited to be joining a Kiwi insurance icon.

“Fidelity Life is extremely highly regarded in the industry, and has a great legacy to build on. It’s an exciting time to be returning to New Zealand; I’m looking forward to helping Nadine and the leadership team continue to evolve Fidelity Life to make sure we capitalise on the industry changes ahead, and ensure Kiwis have access to the advice and protection they need.”

 Riminton’s appointment follows another senior adviser-focussed appointment at Fidelity Life, Craig Winterburn, who took on the role of general manager retail sales and key partnerships in May.