ING announces senior Life Risk appointments

ING Australia today announced two key appointments to its Life Risk division senior management team: Gerard Kerr as Head of Product and Marketing, and Christine Brownfield as Head of Strategy.

Gerard Kerr comes to the role of Head of Product and Marketing with more than 20 years’ experience in life insurance, including underwriting, claims and product development in the United Kingdom, USA, and Australia.  He joins ING Australia from Asteron, where he was Head of Claims.

Since arriving in Australia in 2002, Gerard has been active  in the industry, most recently as Chair of IFSA’s working group on the protection gap. In recognition of his work in this area he was awarded an IFSA Excellence Award in 2007.

Christine Brownfield is an internal appointment, coming to the role of Life Risk Head of Strategy from the CEO office where she co-ordinated a range of cross-business unit initiatives.

With over 9 years at ING Australia, including 5 years as Chief Actuary, Christine has a deep understanding of the ING business and strategy for future growth.

Both senior appointments are key to ING Life Risk maintaining its position as an innovator and leading provider of life insurance.

In the last 12 months the ING Australia Life Risk business unit has launched OneCare Express, significant upgrades to OneCare with over 70 enhancements, and improved back office support for advisers.  In 2007 ING achieved the highest retail insurance sales and was rated overall No.2 in the life insurance market (Plan for Life, 2007).