Acenda and Resolution Life Australasia have appointed Yvonne Le Bas as the future Group Chief Financial Officer and Karen Malzard as the future Group Chief Risk Officer of the merged Acenda Group, the companies announced in a press release on Monday, July 28.
Le Bas joined Resolution Life Australasia in 2020 as Chief Financial Officer and brings more than 25 years of experience across the financial services, property, and oil industries. She has held a number of senior financial leadership roles, including CFO of BT Financial Group and Acting Deputy CFO & General Manager of Enterprise Investments at Westpac Banking Group. Her earlier career also includes senior roles at National Australia Bank and MLC Limited, where she served as General Manager.
Malzard has been with Resolution Life Australasia for over five years, most recently serving as Chief Risk Officer. She has over 25 years of experience in the industry, with in-depth expertise in the wealth management sector. Prior to joining Resolution Life, she held senior executive roles at a number of financial institutions, including ANZ Bank, Zurich Financial Services, and BT Financial Group.
The appointments come after Nippon Life announced in December 2024 its agreement to acquire all shares in Resolution Life. Once regulatory approvals are secured and the transaction is completed, Acenda and Resolution Life Australasia will combine to create one of the largest life insurance providers in Australia and New Zealand.
The appointments will take effect upon completion of the acquisition. They join the previously announced future Group CEO, Chris de Bruin, in the merged company’s leadership structure.
