AIA raids TAL ranks to build new group offer

Mike Taylor

Managing Editor/Publisher, Financial Newswire

29 January 2026

Major life insurer AIA Australia has raided the executive ranks of its competitor TAL as it seeks to step up its presence in the superannuation group life space.

AIA announced it had recruited two key TAL executives, Chris Healey and Peter Kelly as part of its group push.

TAL has been the dominant player in the group life space, with AIA Australia having traditionally taking second place in terms of market share according to analysis undertaken by Dexx&r.

TAL has held over 31% market share, compared to 21.3% held by AIA.

The appointments were announced as the company outlined structural changes which it said would lick off a period of sustained investment in its group insurance offering.

It flagged the announcement of what it claimed would be “a market-leading suite of group insurance propositions.

The new appointments announced by AIA Australia were headed by Healey who has been announced as Chief Group Insurance Officer.

As well, it said Sujan Yamunarajan has been appointed Executive General Manager of Growth, “leading a newly established division that brings together expertise in business development, product, pricing and tender propositions, to deliver tailored solutions that support future- focused super fund partnerships.

Emily Bridger has been appointed General Manager, Products and Propositions, who will work closely with super funds and employers to enhance AIA’s group insurance product and service offerings to meet fund and member needs.

Peter Kelly has joined AIA Australia from TAL as Head of Tender Propositions – Growth. Peter brings more than 20 years’ experience across group insurance, digital experience, marketing strategy and customer focused growth.

It said Wayne Willis Davis also joins AIA Australia “to lead the newly created Corporate team, where he will support the organisation’s market-leading position in corporate partner relationships and engagement. Wayne was previously at Aware Super.

AIA Australia chief executive, Damien Mu said the changes to the company’s group insurance leadership strengthened AIA’s ability to deliver product excellence and strong member outcomes.

Healey said he is preparing for a strong first year with the company and looks forward to partnering with superannuation funds to deliver simple, effective insurance solutions.