AIA snags Acenda head of products

AIA Australia has welcomed a new head of partnerships, who joined from Acenda after leaving the firm in March.

Alison Bodinnar has commenced in the role, bringing more than two decades of insurance and financial services experience across Switzerland and Australia.

Most recently, she was the head of products and proposition at Acenda for close to five years. Before that, she was the head of wealth protection product at AMP, where she was stationed for over five years serving in several senior positions.

Earlier in her career, she facilitated insurance claims at Zurich Insurance Company, AXIS Re Europe, and Allianz Australia.

Notably, she also managed a portfolio of high profile legal liability claims for directors and officers for the Federal Government as a liability claims specialist at Gallagher Bassett Services between 2009 and 2011.

"Throughout my career in group insurance, I've developed a deep passion for improving member outcomes. I'm excited to continue that journey with AIA, working alongside our superannuation partners to make a meaningful difference for their members," Bodinnar said on LinkedIn.

"Thank you to the AIA team for the warm welcome. So proud to be part of the team."

In August, AIA restructured its retail business that saw Paula Bourke appointed as the new chief retail insurance officer. Former chief retail insurance and advice officer Pina Sciarrone and chief retail insurance officer for life and health Stephanie Phillips have since left the organisation as part of the restructure.

The life insurer is also now offering lower premiums for total and permanent disability (TPD) via a new product TPD CORE, which requires additional assessment on mental health conditions and specified subjective conditions such as those associated with a client's experience of pain and fatigue symptoms.