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New head of distribution at Fidelity

Thursday 17th of February 2022

Former Head of Strategic Alliances, Melanie Beattie, steps up to a new senior distribution role at Fidelity Life.

Chief Sales and Service Officer Bronwyn Kirwan says the new role brings together accountability for all of Fidelity Life’s distribution relationships.

“Our advisers and strategic alliance partners are critical components of our customer-led transformation and work with us to protect New Zealanders’ way of life.

"As Head of Distribution, Beattie will be responsible for ensuring our entire distribution mix – including new and emerging channels - continues to provide customers with choice, and aligns with our end-to-end customer focus.”

Kirwan says since Beattie joined Fidelity Life in October 2021 she has helped the business "shift gears in our approach to our strategic alliance partnerships, and is poised to apply the same rigour and strategic thought to elevating our support and partnerships in the adviser community."

The former Head of Adviser Distribution Todd Allan has joined a mortgage advice group to become a financial adviser.

Kirwan says Fidelity's proposed acquisition of Westpac Life and strategic alliance with Westpac NZ, also played a part in the decision to re-evaluate the company's distribution leadership structure.

Previously Beattie was Head of Strategic Partnerships at ASB and led its partnership practice across corporate, commercial, SME, and rural/primary sectors. In 2020 she took a up new role at tech start up Trade Window as Head of Global Ecosystems.

Fidelity Life
Comments (4)
manny jacinto
Best wishes to Melanie and travel well Toddy in the new gig. Do I sense a shift away from advisers by this manufacturer ? The new management know lots but seem to have limited adviser experience. I may have this wrong but they seem to be favouring direct channels or strategic alliances eg on life direct they appear to waive the policy fee. Not sure the equity of this if adviser clients have to pay.
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2 years ago
merv millwater
Like many organisations Fid needed an ongoing refresh but the changes have been maybe too much in experienced people but I wish Melanie well. The pricing of Fidelity on life direct does seem low and I also see Partners are expensive with recent price changes. But others may follow Partners upwards on price which is not the not value driver. Is anyone from Fid able to confirm whether they are discounting via “strategic alliances”
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2 years ago
rick murray
This seems similar to the BNZ approach reported on Goodreturns concerning mortgages via brokers / advisers being treated less favorably. Be interesting if Fid confirm this. It is Fidelity’s choice if they are offering special pricing deals to strategic partners like Life Direct. The concern is that adviser customers end up carrying the can for fixed expenses and any potential cross subsidization. Does this support customers being able to access an adviser.
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2 years ago
steve stirling
Customers benefit from an advice process so confused why this would be undermined by having customers access directly at a lower price than through an adviser. Customers being treated differently .... ummm Maybe something for the new FMA CEO to consider.
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2 years ago
Comments to GoodReturns.co.nz go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved.
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1 month ago Andy Phillipson
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