AIA appoints new CFO & people chief

AIA Australia has announced two new appointments to its executive team, with financial services industry veterans Susan Turner and Anna Livingston joining the life insurer.

Susan Turner, who formerly held the roles of chief operating officer (COO) and chief financial officer (CFO)  within Colonial First State’s global asset management arm (known today as First Sentier), has been appointed as AIA Australia’s next CFO.

Turner joins from The University of Sydney, where she served as executive director, central operations.

Beginning her career at Zurich, Turner has also had senior positions at Westpac (including its wealth subsidiary BT).

AIA Australia confirmed to Financial Newswire that Turner will replace current CFO Michael Chernov. However, the AIA did not disclose a reason for Chernov’s departure.

Stepping into the chief people and culture officer (CPCO) role is Anna Livingston, who joins AIA Australia from outside the financial sector.

Livingston served more than a decade with Tennis Australia in various senior positions, including her final role as chief diversity and people officer.

She also most recently concluded a five-month contract at healthcare provider Epworth.

The CPCO role is currently occupied by Skye Crawford, whom Livingston replaces.

Welcoming the firm’s latest senior appointments, AIA Australia chief executive Damien Mu acknowledged the pair’s “impressive track records of success in their own fields” alongside their “strong leadership capability and expertise”.

“They will play critical role in helping drive our focus on future readiness, championing healthier, longer, and better lives, and achieving high performance.”