Tower appoints new technology leaders to drive digital strategy
Tower has appointed Dr. Stephen Hastings and Micheal Maclean to new executive roles focused on data and digital technology.
Dr. Stephen Hastings will take up the Chief Data and Analytics Officer position, while Micheal Maclean will join as Chief Digital and Technology Officer. The company said these leadership moves are designed to support digital and data initiatives expected to drive customer experience and business growth.
Digital and data strategy
Paul Johnston, Tower's Chief Executive Officer, described the appointments as an important step in the company's approach to digital and data advancements. Johnston stated,
"The appointments mark the next evolution of Tower's digital and data strategy, building on the momentum of investments in our digital platform and reinforcing our commitment to continued technology leadership in this rapidly changing space. Digital technology and data are central to how we serve our customers and grow our business. Stephen and Micheal bring deep expertise and leadership that will help us accelerate our strategy and deliver even better outcomes for our customers. We're thrilled to welcome them to Tower's leadership team."
Dr. Stephen Hastings brings more than 25 years of experience to the new role. His background includes establishing KPMG New Zealand's Digital Lighthouse division and work across financial services, insurance, utilities and government sectors. His areas of expertise span data, analytics, artificial intelligence and innovation, with a particular focus on strategy execution and advanced analytics.
On his appointment, Hastings commented,
"Tower has a fantastic culture and is a digital leader in the insurance industry. There's a huge opportunity to accelerate transformation through smart, safe use of data, analytics, and AI. I'm excited to be joining the team at such a pivotal moment and to help deliver meaningful value for our customers."
Digital transformation experience
Micheal Maclean will formally commence his role as Chief Digital and Technology Officer in early November. He previously guided ASB's Everyday Banking business and led its agile transformation programme. His career has emphasised developing high-performing teams and advancing digital solutions with a customer focus.
Maclean said,
"Tower's strong digital foundation and customer-first mindset make this an exciting time to join. I see a real opportunity to build on the strong foundations already in place and accelerate the delivery of smart, intuitive solutions that make insurance simpler and more accessible."
Tower has said that these appointments will reinforce ongoing investment in digital platforms and capabilities that enable streamlined services across New Zealand and the Pacific. The company has also described data as increasingly important for customers, particularly around issues such as climate change and property-related risks where reliable data is essential for informed decision-making.
Pursuing digital enablement
Tower has highlighted the importance of continually adapting to technological changes in pursuit of more intelligent and accessible customer experiences. The company noted that these efforts are built on strong data infrastructure, advanced digital technology, and applications of artificial intelligence to create practical value for customers.
