Cigna New Zealand has appointed Gail Costa as its new chief executive.

Costa has been on the Cigna New Zealand board since 2012, and returns after assignments in Asia and Turkey.  She is currently chief executive of Cigna’s joint venture business with QNB Finansbank in Turkey, a role she took up in 2015.

Chairman Steven Fyfe says Costa brings significant international leadership experience and insurance knowledge to the role, which will be of benefit to Cigna’s partners and customers.  Costa, who previously led Cigna’s operations in the country for 10 years, returns to Cigna New Zealand’s business at a time of significant growth for the company, which serves more than 250,000 customers.

Cigna has operated in New Zealand for nearly a century and provides a range of life, health, accident and travel products and services under the Cigna brand. It also works with partner companies who retail Cigna products under their own names.

“Gail has extensive understanding of Cigna New Zealand and the New Zealand insurance market. We are delighted to have someone of her calibre lead the business, and her appointment makes for a seamless transition. We are excited about the contribution she will make to Cigna New Zealand’s already strong performance, culture, brand and desire for growth,” Fyfe says.