After an extensive recruitment process, Suncorp New Zealand has appointed Suraiya Phillimore-Smith as its new Chief
Customer Officer.
Phillimore-Smith will take up the role on March 4, shifting from Westpac New Zealand, where she is currently Chief
Marketing Officer.
The Chief Customer Officer at Suncorp New Zealand has responsibility for partnerships, including an extensive broker and
adviser network. The CCO also leads brand, marketing, communications, government relations and a growing sustainability
function.
Chief Executive Jimmy Higgins is delighted with Suraiya’s appointment.
"We have an existing wealth of insurance experience and talent in the Customer team, so I was looking for something
quite specific with this appointment - including experience in an intermediated business model, and confidence in the
emerging sustainability regulatory requirements. That, combined with Suraiya’s global brand and marketing experience
made her an unbeatable candidate, and I see her as an important addition to our leadership team."
Phillimore-Smith says she’s looking forward to joining a progressive business at a time when insurance has never been
more important to New Zealanders. "Suncorp has a clear connection from purpose to people to community."
Higgins says Phillimore-Smith’s appointment comes at a critical time for Suncorp customers. "As we near the summer
break, the team are fully focused on resolving all claims from the weather events earlier in the year. We have a goal to
get all customers home by Christmas - and while we’ll fall just short of that, it’s driven us to do everything we can
for customers who still don’t have a secure place to call home.
"Suraiya will bring fresh energy and a global perspective. Her career is fascinating - from starting her professional
life in the military, to being the global lead for the Vodafone brand, and driving the Vodafone 5G programme in New
Zealand, her experience is pretty unique. Suncorp New Zealand will benefit from that, and so will our customers."
Paul Gallop has been acting in the role and will continue to do so until Phillimore-Smith joins the team next year, and
then will return to his role of Executive Manager, Strategic Broker Partnerships.