AIA New Zealand has changed its adviser model and made appointments to its distribution leadership team.

Chief distribution officer Jonathan Beale says the “deliberate moves … ensure we are well placed to support advisers, deepen strategic partnerships and accelerate growth”.

AIA has revamped the adviser model after a review. Strategic accounts will represent the insurer’s highest‑value adviser groups and retail advisers will be supported through regionally aligned panels.

“The intent is simple … To be very clear about where we focus our effort, to show up in ways that genuinely help advisers grow and to build partnerships that last,” Mr Beale said.

AIA says senior distribution leadership appointments include Matt O’Rourke joining as head of strategic accounts and retail. He was most recently senior partner within the Bank of New Zealand’s commercial agri and business banking team.

In other distribution appointments, customer operations head Travis Higgins has been made head of aligned advice and Kushla Glauser will start in July as head of ASB partnership. She is currently head of brand and acquisition marketing at Tower.

Nick Brunner has been appointed national sales manager for retail. He has been AIA national sales manager for bancassurance since May 2024, according to his LinkedIn.