Melanie Beattie steps up to senior distribution role at Fidelity Life.

Media release

16 February 2022

Fidelity Life has created a new Head of Distribution role, and its current Head of Strategic Alliances, Melanie Beattie, has been appointed to the position. 

Chief Sales and Service Officer Bronwyn Kirwan says the new role brings together accountability for all of Fidelity Life’s distribution relationships.

“Our advisers and strategic alliance partners are critical components of our customer-led transformation and work with us to protect New Zealanders’ way of life. As Head of Distribution, Mel will be responsible for ensuring our entire distribution mix – including new and emerging channels - continues to provide customers with choice, and aligns with our end-to-end customer focus.” 

Bronwyn says Mel brings a strong strategic focus to Fidelity Life. 

“Since Mel joined us in October 2021 she’s successfully helped us shift gears in our approach to our strategic alliance partnerships, and is poised to apply the same rigour and strategic thought to elevating our support and partnerships in the adviser community. 

“The decision of our Head of Adviser Distribution Todd Allan to embark on a new career as a financial adviser, as well as our proposed acquisition of Westpac Life and strategic alliance with Westpac NZ, also played a part in our re-evaluation of our distribution leadership structure.” 

Mel Beattie joined Fidelity Life as Head of Strategic Alliances in October 2021. She spent the formative years of her career in the UK starting and selling a business in the energy sector before making a switch to corporate – initially with EY as Executive Director Business Development, then IBM Associate Partner, Global Business Services. She became Head of Strategic Partnerships at ASB and led their partnership practice across corporate, commercial, SME, and rural/primary sectors. In 2020 she took a up new role at tech start up Trade Window as Head of Global Ecosystems.