About us Menu

Our team are passionate about what we do, and being there for our customers when they need it most. If you email or phone you'll be talking to one of us. From left to right: Eddie Lio, Jane Barron, Louise Smitsdorff-Gilbert, Eric Hwang, Emma McEwan, Anna Harris, Cathrine Stead, Gillian Vaughan, Kerry Vaughan, Mario Wilson, Hannah Wise, Amy Cavanaugh. Absent; Shannon Doolan

Gillian Vaughan BP&RM

Chief Executive

Gillian was appointed Chief Executive of Pinnacle Life in April 2018. Gillian has nearly 20 years experience in the life insurance industry, having joined Pinnacle in 1999. She has worked in all areas of the business including strategy, technology, risk, customer sales and service, with her most recent role being General Manager Operations. Gillian was also instrumental in leading a significant change programme from 2010 to 2012 as Pinnacle Life prepared for the licensing requirements of IPSA and the Reserve Bank.

Ben Coulter BSc, BCA, FIAA & FNZSA

Appointed Actuary

Ben was appointed as Pinnacle Life's Actuary in September 2017. He is a director in the actuarial consulting team at PwC New Zealand. Ben has over 15 years of experience working with the insurance industry in various roles covering pricing, product development, valuation and capital management.

Amy Cavanaugh BCA, BA

General Manager Operations

Amy joined Pinnacle Life in June 2018 and is responsible for leading the Operations Team to manage day-to-day processes and procedures across finance, risk, technology and product. She has experience across Insurance & Banking in strategic and operational roles. Amy brings a passion for bringing the customer to the centre of all her business’ processes and projects.