Chris works predominantly with values-based and purpose driven organisations who have at their core the betterment of New Zealand.
Chris is a Chartered Accountant who has spent much of his career in financial services at a senior executive and board level. Since stepping down as CEO of rural-based insurer FMG in late 2021, Chris has joined as a non-executive director/trustee of three of the core entities under the Southern Cross brand, now chairs Toka Tū Ake | EQC, and has been appointed to the board of Rabobank NZ Limited. Chris was previously president of the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) and a commissioner on the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) scheme.
Chris brings valuable skills and experience in organisational leadership, improvement, and cultural change. He also has extensive experience in the areas of strategy development and programme implementation, risk, finance and investment management, brand management and the various aspects associated with people and culture, including the creation of high-performing teams.
Whilst at FMG, Chris was heavily involved in the establishment and governance of Farmstrong, a programme designed to help improve the wellbeing of rural communities in New Zealand. As a result, he has a particular interest in empirically based ‘up-stream’ initiatives that can practically help enhance the wellbeing of New Zealanders. He believes this needs to be complemented by more easily accessible ‘downstream’ information and wrap-around support mechanisms for those that need them.