Meet our Senior Leadership Team

Gail has led the Cigna New Zealand team through a period of growth and change since returning home to New Zealand in 2018.

With over 18 years of executive experience with Cigna, Gail has held CEO positions in Turkey, Hong Kong and Europe. She also led the New Zealand business from 2003-2013.

Prior to joining Cigna, Gail was the General Manager Operations for Royal Sun Alliance Life Insurance. She has also held finance, marketing and operational positions at Colonial Mutual Life, New Zealand Council for Educational Research and AMEV Life.

Gail is a qualified accountant and holds a bachelor degree in Commerce and Administration from Victoria University and a Diploma in Direct Marketing from the Institute of Direct Marketing, London, UK.

She enjoys the people leadership side of her role, particularly seeing her colleagues achieve success personally and professionally.

In her spare time, Gail spends time with her children and grandchildren, watching Netflix and following the fortunes of her favourite sports teams.

Craig leads the team who provides technology solutions which meet the evolving needs of customers, Advisers and the business.

Craig joined Cigna from ANZ in 2018 where he was responsible for Digital Banking. Prior to that, he worked for BBC Worldwide in the UK where he looked after the BBC.com and Top Gear websites. He’s also worked in ICT firms and the government sector. He has a BCA in Marketing from Victoria University.

In his role at Cigna, Craig is proud to lead a talented, outcome-focused team who innovate and deliver for customers and Advisers.

Craig lives in the Hawkes Bay with his wife and three children and enjoys the beach, jet skiing, snowboarding and travelling.

David is responsible for leading Cigna’s diverse distribution channels.

Joining Cigna in 2020, he brings over 30 years of experience in insurance and financial services with him, including 20 years at Sovereign.

David has a great passion for the industry and the financial well-being of New Zealanders. He values being part of an organisation that is focused on ensuring good outcomes for its customers.

Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with family. He also likes fishing, cycling and golf.

Debbie provides vision and leadership to Cigna’s technical, operational and customer care teams who welcome and underwrite new customers, assist existing customers and offer support at claim time. Debbie also oversees the customer experience and business improvement across Cigna.

With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Debbie has held a number of senior leadership roles across technology, HR, operations and customer experience. Prior to her role at Cigna she was the general manager of wealth operations at ANZ. Debbie is also a Director of Cigna New Zealand.

Debbie believes that insurance is about keeping promises and is proud to be part of delivering on these promises every day.

Auckland based, she enjoys cooking, fishing and is a proud mum of two boys.

Michael’s role at Cigna is divided into three areas: Legal, Corporate Governance and Regulatory Affairs.

Michael has been a lawyer for 40 years – most of that time spent working in the financial services industry. He has an Honours degree in law from Victoria University and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

He enjoys the variety of his role at Cigna, in particular working on big projects such as the acquisition of OnePath Life from ANZ in 2018.

As well as being a parent and grandparent, he’s an avid cyclist. In 2019 Michael represented New Zealand at the World Age Group Cycling Championships in Poland.

Mark manages Cigna’s partner relationships, business development and sales while focusing on growth and retention.

With Cigna since 2001, he’s held a variety of roles from working in the contact centre, right through to sales and leadership.

A people-focused leader, Mark takes pride in building high-performing teams who challenge the status quo and put the customer at the heart of everything they do.

When he’s not in the office Mark spends time with family, woodworking and likes getting out in the garden.

Mark balances business growth ambitions by ensuring Cigna remains a resilient, financially strong company which is there to support its customers at a time when they need it the most.

Mark joined Cigna in 2013 after returning from the UK. Prior to his time abroad he qualified as a Chartered Accountant while working for PwC, eventually leaving as a manager in the assurance practice. He is also a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and has a Bachelor of Commerce degree with Honours from Otago University.

Mark is proud of Cigna’s history in New Zealand and longevity in the market, having been here for over 100 years.

In his spare time, Mark enjoys running, watching sport and spending time with his two young children – his proudest achievements.

Michael leads Cigna’s team of actuaries, whose role it is to estimate and help manage future risk when formulating insurance policies.

Michael has been in the insurance industry the majority of his working life and has been with the company since 2011. He’s a Fellow of both the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and the New Zealand Society of Actuaries.

Michael values being able to take a long-term view when making decisions across many aspects of the business.

Originally from Canterbury but now Auckland based, outside of work he likes to get outdoors and exercise as well as winding down with a good book.

Simon oversees Cigna’s product suite, marketing direction and overall business strategy.

With over 20 years in the insurance industry, he’s held a number of leadership positions with Cigna both in New Zealand and globally.

Simon has a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing, a Graduate Diploma in accounting and is a Chartered Accountant. He also has a Diploma in Direct and Interactive Marketing from the Institute of Direct Marketing, London, UK.

Simon’s seen first-hand the benefits of having insurance and believes having the right cover can truly make a difference to people’s lives.

In his down time Simon enjoys being with his wife and two children. He’s a keen sports fan, having played cricket and football for many years. These days he’s more likely to be found supporting from the sidelines at school netball and football games.

As Head of HR, Stuart ensures our people-related policies and processes support a culture where people matter.

With over 45 years in the HR industry, including 20 years in the UK and Europe, Stuart joined Cigna in 2018.

He has degrees in Business and English Literature, as well as a Masters in Occupational Psychology. He’s also trained Mediator and a fully qualified Executive Coach.

He appreciates his role for helping people thrive and working in a company which upholds strong values and ethical behaviour.

In his spare time, the Wellingtonian enjoys theatre and cinema as well as going out for walks around the city.

Tony promotes a positive risk culture across the company while making sure any risks which may impact Cigna are well managed.

Joining Cigna in April 2020 and bringing with him over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, his wealth of experience is being used to provide an enterprise risk programme to manage all risks in the business.

In his role, Tony values the opportunity to work across the business to ensure every person at Cigna plays a role to effectively manage risk.

Tony is a fan of sports and the outdoors, particularly mountain biking. The father of four also enjoys getting involved in the community.