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Alison O'Connell

Alison O'Connell

Life actuary

Followers of Alison O'Connell440 followers
location of Alison O'ConnellChristchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Non-Executive Director with an actuarial perspective

  • Education

    • School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington

      2009 - 2012
      Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

    • Institute of Actuaries

      1985 - 1988
      Fellow

    • St Catharine's College, Cambridge

      1982 - 1985
      Master of Arts (MA)

    • King's College London, U. of London

      2001 - 2003
      Master of Science (MSc)

  • Experience

    • Mercantile & General Reinsurance

      Sept 1985 - Jun 1989
      Life actuary

      Qualified as an actuary, working in life reinsurance products

    • Mercer

      Jul 1989 - Jun 1991
      Consulting actuary

      Consulting on actuarial issues, to life and retirement savings companies

    • McKinsey & Company

      Jun 1991 - Jun 1997
      Senior Engagement Manager

      Strategy consulting, specialising in financial services especially insurance.

    • Swiss Re

      Jun 1997 - Jun 2001
      Head of Strategy

      Advised on strategic projects, to CEO of Life & Health division and to Group CEO

    • Pensions Policy Institute

      Jan 2002 - Aug 2006
      Director

      Chief Executive role

    • Independent

      Sept 2006 - now
      Researcher/Consultant

      Research and advisory work on pension reform, longevity, ageing and financial capability for government departments in UK and New Zealand. Member of Retirement Commissioner's Expert Advisory Group on retirement income policy 2020-2022.

    • Earthquake Commission (EQC)

      Sept 2013 - Nov 2020
      Commissioner

      Reappointed 2015 and 2018. Chair of Reinsurance and Resilience Committee. Member of Audit and Risk Committee.

    • HealthCarePlus (Previously EBS)

      Mar 2015 - Mar 2019
      Independent Director

      Chair of Audit, Risk and Investment Committee

    • Government Superannuation Fund Authority

      May 2017 - Apr 2023
      Deputy Chair

      Member of Investment Committee

    • Christchurch Art Gallery Foundation

      Aug 2019 - Feb 2023
      Director

      Chair of Investment Committee

    • Resolution Life New Zealand

      Dec 2019 - now
      Independent Director

      Chair of New Zealand Policyholders' Advisory Committee of the Resolution Life Australasia Board. Member of Resolution Life New Zealand Audit and Risk Committee.

    • Annuitas Management Limited

      Sept 2020 - Apr 2023
      Board Member

    • NZSA (New Zealand Society of Actuaries)

      Nov 2021 - Nov 2024
      Council Member

    • Advisory Board to the Retirement Commissioner

      Jun 2023 - Sept 2024
      Member

      To support the Retirement Commissioner in ensuring advocacy is forward-focused, independent, and principled.

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Certificate in Data Science

      Institute and Faculty of Actuaries; Southampton Data Science Academy
      Dec 2021
      View certificate certificate

    • Chartered Fellow

      Institute of Directors in New Zealand
      Jan 2023

    • Fellow

      Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
      Jan 1988

    • IoD NZ - Chartered Fellow

      Institute of Directors in New Zealand
      Nov 2025
      View certificate certificate

    • IoD NZ - Chartered Fellow

      Institute of Directors in New Zealand
      Nov 2024
      View certificate certificate

    • Chartered Actuary Fellow

      Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
      Nov 2024
      View certificate certificate

    • Fellow

      New Zealand Society of Actuaries
      Jan 2014

  • Volunteer Experience

    • Member of Retirement Income Interest Group

      Issued by New Zealand Society of Actuaries
      New Zealand Society of ActuariesAssociated with Alison O'Connell