AZ NGA makes senior appointments

Mike Taylor

Managing Editor and Publisher

9 June 2026

The former head of Managed Accounts and Alternatives at MLC, Neil Gellett, has been appointed Head of Product at AZ NGA.

Gellett’s appointment was announced as part of a number of senior changes at the advice platform in a move which it said was aimed at significantly building the group’s capabilities in human resources, finance, technology and transformation.

The AZ-NGA announcement said that in his new role, Gellett would develop AZ NGA’s product strategy, establish a robust product governance and oversight framework, and strengthen relationships with key investment, life insurance and platform partners,

His appointment came alongside the announcement that former ClearView executive, Tanya Dawson has been confirmed and permanently appointed as Chief People Officer at AZ NGA reporting to Group chief executive, Paul Barrett.

As well the company said that former Head of Finance and Treasury at Cuscal Payments, Cormac Galvin has joined AZ NGA as General Manager, Finance and Transformation, reporting to AZ NGA Chief Financial Officer, Jodie Blackledge.

In the group’s operations team, former Chief Information and Digital Officer at Vital Business Partners, Shaun Nesbitt has been appointed Chief Technology Officer.

In his role, Nesbitt is responsible for driving AZ NGA’s ongoing digital transformation, spanning advice systems, data analytics and AI, and cyber security.

Former General Manager, Technology and Operations at Diverger, Sonya Choi La Rosa has been appointed Head of Business Improvement. In her role, Choi La Rosa is responsible for building the group’s Advice Model Office, incorporating best practice processes, common technology and integrated change capability, with a focus on continuous improvement in experience and delivery.

The company announcement said Nesbitt, Choi La Rosa and Gellett will be reporting to AZ NGA’s recently appointed Chief Operating Officer, Nathan Jacobsen.

“All three roles are newly-created positions, reflecting AZ NGA’s rapid growth and ambitious plans to build integrated Super firms, supported by centralised services and operations,” the company announcement said.

Confirming the changes, AZ NGA Group Chief Executive, Paul Barratt said the firm is an “ambitious, fast-growing business and we are investing heavily in our people and teams to ensure that we have the right skills and expertise to deliver significant benefits, achieve our objectives and targets, and continue growing and scaling.

“Backed by a supportive Board, we have the plan, the funding and the people to execute our strategy and this is an exciting time for the business,” he said.