Council of Australian Life Insurers appoints first CEO

The newly established Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has appointed Christine Cupitt as its first chief executive officer (CEO), effective January 2023.

Cupitt will join CALI after eight years at the Australian Banking Association (ABA), where he held various roles, most recently chief of policy and strategy. With extensive experience across banking, wealth, and insurance, Cupitt has a unique perspective and ability to ensure CALI is set up for success to advocate for Australians to access appropriate, affordable, and sustainable life insurance.

As the CEO of CALI, Cupitt will work closely with co-chairs Damien Mu, chief executive and managing director of AIA Australia, and Brett Clark, group chief executive and managing director at TAL.

Read more: CALI: Council of Australian Life Insurers announced

CALI’s formation was announced in June 2022 to address matters affecting the life insurance industry and its customers, given the changing landscape in regulation and structure.

In a statement, Mu and Clark said: “Christine’s considerable experience and her senior leadership role at the ABA through a time of significant change across the banking industry places her well to lead CALI’s work in shaping the industry’s direction and continuing to meet the evolving needs and expectations of our customers, partners, stakeholders, and the community.

“There is much important work to do on these matters and in the ongoing set up of CALI, and the board will continue driving this progress until Christine commences her new role in January 2023.”

Cupitt said: “Life insurance plays an essential role in Australia’s community and economy, and I am delighted to be leading CALI and supporting the industry to meet stakeholder expectations and deliver excellent outcomes for customers. I look forward to working with consumer representatives, regulators, government, and other industry associations on issues critical to the life insurance industry.”