The people who head up AXA here are New Zealanders who have a combined total of 140 years experience in financial services! It’s good to know that you’re with real experts who have a real New Zealand outlook.
Ralph Stewart - Chief Executive Officer, AXA New Zealand
Ralph has over 20 years experience in the financial and investment industries, including General Management, Marketing and Strategic Development roles. His directorships have included Financial Telephone Company Limited (Fin Tel), TOWER China Insurance Limited and the Investment Funds Association of New Zealand, and he is currently Deputy Chairman of the Investment Savings and Insurance Association (ISI). Ralph holds an MBA (Hons) from Manchester University and a Diploma of Business Administration from Victoria University.
Chris Day - Chief Financial Officer
Chris leads AXA New Zealand’s Finance team comprising Corporate Accounting, Taxation, Forecasting & Analysis, Investment Accounting, Distribution Reporting and Procurement specialists. He’s held senior finance and directorship roles including GM Finance at New Zealand Post and Chief Financial Officer at the New Zealand Wool Board. He’s a CA member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants, a Certified Treasury Professional, a member of both The Institute of Finance Professionals NZ and The Institute of Directors. Chris has a range of international experience including the UK and Australia, and he’s an alumnus of the London Business School Senior Executive Programme.
Sid Miller - General Manager, People, Projects & IS
Sid looks after AXA New Zealand's people, projects and IS teams. He spent 17 years in the Royal Air Force in the UK as an Engineering Officer, toured with the famous Red Arrows, and has worked in consultancy supporting IS programmes in the Health Sector. In 2004, he was awarded an OBE for delivery of the Tornado Aircraft Upgrade Programme. Moving to New Zealand, Sid joined Air New Zealand, then Alcatel-Lucent as a Programme Director. He has a BSc (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration. Sid is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Association of Project Managers. He can be easily spotted as a slow moving defensive wall in the Wellington Masters Soccer League.
Michelle Lawsen - Head of Legal, Risk and Compliance
Michelle and her team are responsible for AXA New Zealand’s legal, risk management and compliance functions. With 15 years experience in the financial industry, she’s worked for some of New Zealand’s largest financial services companies. Michelle’s an investment and insurance product and securities specialist, with loads of experience in corporate governance and product development and distribution too. She is a Barrister and Solicitor, graduating from Victoria University and when she’s not being a legal eagle, Michelle enjoys sports, reading and spending time with her family.
Nick Scarlett - General Manager, Distribution
Nick has worked all over the world: as AIG Regional Vice President Strategic Planning, and AIG Regional Vice President for Distribution in Hong Kong, Director of Agency Development Taiwan, GM for AIA NZ and Regional Director for Asia Pacific Operations. He was born in Kenya to an Irish mother and English father, his wife was born in Mexico and raised in Canada to a Canadian mother and Spanish father. His two children were born in Hong Kong. Nick joined AXA New Zealand in August 2008.
Mark Ennis - General Manager, Marketing and Financial Protection
Mark oversees our Financial Protection and Marketing areas. With 15 years experience in the financial services industry, he has had roles at BNZ and AMP, including various general management roles in finance, IT and customer service. He has a first class honours degree in Marketing. Mark lives with his wife and four children, and in his spare time is undertaking a long-term environmental project - regenerating native bush on his lifestyle block.
Nicola Hogg - General Manager, Operations
Nicola was appointed GM Operations in November 2007. In this role, Nicola is responsible for AXA's Underwriting and product administration teams. She has worked in Financial Services for most of her working life having had 13 years with the ANZ Bank and 5 years with AXA. Other places Nicola has worked include ACC, Auckland City Council and the Ministry of Justice. Outside of work, Nicola enjoys reading, walking and spending time with family and friends.
Peter Verhaart - General Manager - AXA Global Investors
Peter has more than 20 years experience in financial services including 8 1/2 years at Mercer Investment Consulting. His qualifications say a lot about his meticulous approach: Bachelor of Science majoring in Calculus and Geometry, PostGrad Diploma in Financial Mathematics, and Diploma in Business Studies Personal Financial Planning. Peter lives with his wife and 6 year old son and a small zoo: 3 dogs, 3 cats, 3 rabbits, 4 chickens, 1 guinea pig, 1 bird aviary and rapidly multiplying tropical fish.
Gordon Noble-Campbell - Chief Executive Officer, Spicers Portfolio Management Ltd
Gordon is CEO of one of New Zealand’s leading financial advice companies. He has over 20 years experience in financial services, and his affiliations and qualifications include: Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, affiliate member of New Zealand’s Institute of Financial Advisers, and Post-Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance & Investment. Gordon is also on the board of the Super 14 Hurricanes franchise and is ranked as one of Wellington’s top 5 rugby referees.