The in-house star has worked with leading banks and law firms
Former ILANZ president Jeremy Valentine has joined Cigna Life Insurance New Zealand as its new GC and chief risk officer.
The in-house star has worked in financial services for 25 years as both lawyer and executive. Before making the jump to Cigna, he was the general manager of risk, legal and governance at The Co-operative Bank Limited.
Valentine has also recorded stints with ANZ and the National Bank, and has private practice experience gleaned from his time with two top New Zealand firms. At present, he is a director at Implemented Investment Solutions Limited and Investnow Savings and Investment Service Limited.
In addition, he served as the vice president of In-house Counsel Worldwide.
“As our business continues to deliver on its strategy while navigating regulatory requirements and a changing risk environment, having someone of Jeremy’s calibre with his extensive legal and risk management experience on our leadership team is crucial to our success,” Cigna chief executive Gail Costa said.
She explained that Valentine is set to provide “crucial guidance and support” to the insurer’s leadership team “at a time of rapid growth for the business.”
“Jeremy will be responsible for managing Cigna’s risk management framework, regulatory engagement, compliance and ensuring good governance. He’ll also play an important role in the leadership team by supporting our wider strategic priorities,” Costa said.
Valentine said that he was eager to help the insurer beef up its risk frameworks.
“I’m committed to ensuring Cigna continues to live its values and be there for its customers, advisers and other stakeholders when they need us most. I’ll play my part in this through strengthening Cigna’s risk frameworks, ensuring strong governance and an unwavering focus on our customers,” he said.
Valentine steps into his new positions on 13 September from his base in Wellington.
