Cigna New Zealand appoints Gail Costa as Chief Executive

Cigna New Zealand appoints Gail Costa as Chief Executive

Cigna New Zealand has appointed Gail Costa as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ms Costa brings significant international leadership experience and insurance knowledge to the role, which will be of benefit to Cigna’s partners and customers. Ms Costa, who previously led Cigna’s operations in the country for 10 years, returns to Cigna New Zealand’s business at a time of significant growth for the company, which serves more than 250,000 customers.

Cigna has operated in New Zealand for nearly a century and provides a range of life, health, accident and travel products and services under the Cigna brand. It also works with partner companies who retail Cigna products under their own names.

Cigna New Zealand is known for being an innovator as it seeks to support the health and well-being of the people it serves. It has accelerated its digital transformation in customer care, and acquired Grownups, New Zealand’s leading lifestyle website and social community for the over 50s, an important customer group for Cigna.

Cigna New Zealand Chairman Steven Fyfe says: “Gail has extensive understanding of Cigna New Zealand and the New Zealand insurance market. We are delighted to have someone of her calibre lead the business, and her appointment makes for a seamless transition. We are excited about the contribution she will make to Cigna New Zealand’s already strong performance, culture, brand and desire for growth.”

Ms Costa has served on the Cigna New Zealand Board since 2012, and returns after successful assignments in Asia and Turkey. She is currently Chief Executive of Cigna’s Joint Venture business with QNB Finansbank in Turkey, a role she took up in 2015.

Ms Costa is looking forward to returning to New Zealand. “Cigna has grown in the past five years. However, at its heart, it remains a business committed to improving the health, well-being and sense of security of its customers,” she says.

“I am looking forward to sharing my international, distribution and marketing experience with the New Zealand team and our community of business partners. Cigna New Zealand is committed to growth and continuing to provide great products and services to its customers, so I’m thrilled to re-join this exceptional business.”

Ms Costa will take up her new role on April 1.

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