Tower Limited has appointed Simon Hoole as interim chief financial officer, effective May 1, subject to regulatory approvals. The appointment is intended to provide continuity in Tower’s finance function while the NZX/ASX‑listed general insurer continues its process to recruit a permanent CFO. The change coincides with interim CFO Angus Shelton beginning a period of planned extended leave from May 1, following his earlier tenure as deputy CFO.
Hoole has held finance leadership roles across insurance, financial services, and related industries. Most recently, he was group finance director at technology company Datacom, where his responsibilities included a period as interim CFO overseeing the firm’s financial operations. His previous roles include CFO positions at Villa Maria Estate and Resolution Life (formerly AMP Life – Australia and New Zealand), as well as senior finance roles within the AMP Group, including CFO of AMP New Zealand.
Tower chief executive Paul Johnston acknowledged Shelton’s role in the finance function during a period of organisational change. “Angus has supported Tower through a period of significant change, contributing to the company’s progress and helping to position the business strongly for the future,” he said. Tower has not indicated when it expects to conclude the search for a permanent CFO. The interim arrangement comes as general insurers continue to contend with regulatory developments, capital requirements, and claims volatility in the New Zealand market.
Fidelity Life has confirmed six new appointments to its Adviser council for the 2026-2027 term, completing the implementation of a revised council model the life insurer says is intended to broaden industry input into its decision‑making. Under the updated framework, the council brings together practising advisers and industry figures who will provide feedback on adviser support, product settings, and customer outcomes.
The newly appointed members are:
They will serve a two‑year term and join existing council members Andrea Reid (Aliya Brokers Ltd), Cory Bennett (Float Financial Advisers), David Jochem (Insure Ltd), James Pearson (Total Life), and Sarah Hunger (Cura Advisers).
Fidelity Life chief commercial officer Bronwyn Kirwan said the updated Adviser council is intended to align the insurer’s adviser engagement with shifts in regulation, technology, and customer expectations in the life and advice sectors. “This evolution of the Adviser council is about broadening the insights and perspectives we bring into Fidelity Life. By combining the voices of practising advisers with broader industry expertise, we’re better equipped to spot emerging trends early, test ideas faster, and make decisions that genuinely support advisers and deliver better outcomes for customers,” Kirwan said.
According to Fidelity Life, the model places greater emphasis on representation beyond traditional advice businesses, varied experience across different distribution and technology approaches, and earlier identification of market trends and practical opportunities. “Now in its fourth year, the Adviser council continues to be a critical sounding board for us. This refreshed model ensures the council remains fit for the future, grounded in real-world advice experience, while also informed by where the industry is heading next,” Kirwan said.
