Highlights
- MLC Life Insurance has appointed Mr. Craig Dunn as the future independent Chair of Acenda.
- Transition to take place in the second half of 2025 after the merger with Resolution Life.
- Nippon Life confident in Dunn’s leadership to drive innovation in insurance offerings.
MLC Life Insurance has appointed Mr. Craig Dunn as the future independent Chair of Acenda. Mr. Dunn brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role. He is a reputed business leader with over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including serving as the Chief Executive Officer of AMP Limited from 2008 to 2013. He currently holds the position of Chair at Telstra Group Limited, Redkite, and CMiMerryck, and is also a Non-Executive Director at Lion.
This appointment follows the announcement by Nippon Life in December 2024 that it had agreed to acquire 100% of the shares of Resolution Life. Upon completion of the transaction, which is expected in the second half of 2025 pending regulatory approvals, MLC Life Insurance and Resolution Life Australasia will merge to form Acenda, one of the largest life insurance businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Mr. Dunn’s appointment will take effect once the transaction is complete.
The merger with Resolution Life aligns with industry trends of consolidation, where insurers are strengthening their operations to enhance efficiency and expand their capabilities. This strategic move is expected to bolster Acenda’s position in the insurance landscape, providing customers with more comprehensive and tailored solutions.
As Acenda prepares to launch under its new branding, industry stakeholders will be closely watching how Dunn’s leadership influences its trajectory. His proven track record in corporate governance and financial services positions him well to drive innovation and long-term value for policyholders and stakeholders alike.
Reflecting on the appointement, Mr Craig Dunn said, “I am honoured to be appointed as Chair and to be able to steward Acenda through its next phase of evolution. As we enter a new era for our businesses, building on our long legacy to become one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest life insurance businesses, I look forward to working with the future Board and Executive Team to deliver on our customer commitments.”
With the transition set for 2025, the upcoming months will be crucial in ensuring a seamless integration, setting the stage for Acenda’s future growth in the insurance sector.