The AIA Australia Board is committed to ensuring our business is managed to deliver long-term shareholder value.
Our Board
Our Executive
Board of Directors
Peter Yates AM
Independent Non-Executive Director
FTSE FAICD BCom (Melb), Master of Science (MGT) (Stanford), Doctorate of the University (Murdoch)
Peter was appointed Chair of AIA Australia Limited in May 2021. He is also a Director of Linfox Australia Pty Ltd and Mutual Trust Pty Ltd. He is Chairman of the Royal Institution of Australia, the Australian Science Media Centre, the Faculty of Business and Economics at Melbourne University, the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Shared Value Project and the NHMRC Centre for Personalised Immunology at ANU and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology at UNSW.
From 2004-2007 Peter was Managing Director of Oceania Capital Partners and held the position of Chief Executive Officer of Publishing and Broadcasting Limited from 2001-2004. Until 2001, he worked in the Investment Banking industry including 15 years with Macquarie Bank. He holds a Doctorate of the University from Murdoch University, a Masters degree from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a Commerce degree from University of Melbourne. He speaks Japanese, having studied at Keio University in Tokyo.
Until 30 June 2019, Peter was Deputy Chairman of The Myer Family Investments Ltd. He has been a Director of the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Asialink, Publishing and Broadcasting, Crown Ltd, Foxtel Ltd, The Nine Network, Ninemsn, Ticketek, Veda Ltd, Oceania Capital Partners Ltd, the National Portrait Gallery, The Melbourne International Arts Festival, Centre for Independent Studies, MOKO.mobi and the Australia-Japan Foundation.
In the June 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Peter was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for service to education, to the financial services industry and to a range of arts, science and charitable organisations and in 2017 was made a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE). He has also recently been awarded the Australian Academy of Science Medal for 2019.
Geoff Austin
Independent Non-Executive Director
Geoff was appointed to the AIA Australia Ltd (AIA) Board as an independent director in November 2019, as well as to the Board Audit Committee and Board Risk & Compliance Committee.
Geoff has over 30 years’ experience in the Financial Services industry. His initial career included 15 years at MLC in a range of actuarial, product management and distribution management roles. His last role at MLC included responsibility for all of MLC’s distribution channels and activities, reporting to the Group CEO.
In 1999 Geoff spent 2 years at Tillinghast – Towers Perrin advising a range of financial services clients on strategy and distribution management initiatives.
From 2001 to 2006 Geoff joined the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA).
Geoff held various Executive General Manager (EGM) roles during his time at CBA including EGM Financial Planning and Advice Services, EGM Mortgage and Investments, EGM Lending Products and EGM Retail Products.
In 2007 Geoff provided strategic consulting to the CEO of ING Direct Australia, and has since pursued private business interests.
In July 2013, Geoff was appointed as an Independent Director of Commonwealth Insurance Ltd (CIL), as well as to the Audit Committee and Risk Committee of CIL. Geoff was appointed Chairman of the Board in July 2014.
Geoff also spent 7 years on the Board of the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd (“CMLA”); Geoff was a member of the Audit Committee and Risk Committee of CMLA and served as Chairman of the Board from 2014 - 2019.
Geoff holds a Bachelor of Economics (Actuarial Studies) from Macquarie University, is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia, a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA), and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
Jane Harvey
Independent Non-Executive Director
B.Com (Melb), MBA (Melb), FCA, FAICD
Jane was appointed as an Independent Director of AIA Australia Ltd on 1 January 2022. She is responsible for chairing the Board Audit Committee, and is a member of both the Board Risk & Compliance Committee and the Board Remuneration Committee. Jane is currently an Independent Director of a number of subsidiaries of Insignia Financial Ltd, where she chairs Audit and Risk Committees, and is on the Board of the Marian & EH Flack Trust.
Jane has served on a number of Boards in the past, where she has held the position variously of Chair of Audit, Risk and Remuneration Committees. Past listed Boards include IOOF Holdings Ltd, DuluxGroup Ltd, UGL Ltd, David Jones Ltd and DUET Finance Ltd. Other prior Boards include BUPA Aust & Pac, Medibank Private Ltd, Colonial Foundation Ltd, Orygen Youth Mental Health, the Alfred Hospital, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Rural Finance Ltd, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and the Legal Services Board. Other positions have included as a Councillor for the Australian Institute of Company Directors (Vic) and a member of the ASIC Non Executive Advisory Panel. Prior to developing a portfolio of Board positions, Jane was a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Elizabeth Flynn
Independent Non-Executive Director
Elizabeth Flynn was appointed as an independent Director of AIA Australia on 22 February 2011 and is a member of AIA Australia’s Board Audit, Risk & Compliance Committees and in August 2018 was appointed Chair of the Board Remuneration Committee. In addition to her role on the AIA Australia Board, Elizabeth is currently a non-executive Director of IOOF Holdings Limited and several IOOF subsidiaries and chair of IOOF’s Risk & Compliance Committee and a Victorian Government appointed member of the Emergency Services Superannuation Board and chair of its Governance, Risk & Compliance Committee. Elizabeth is also the Company Secretary of Save the Children Australia. In July 2018, AIA completed its acquisition of Sovereign Assurance Company Limited (Sovereign), and Elizabeth was appointed an Independent Director on Sovereign’s Board and Board Committees.
Elizabeth held several roles at Aviva Australia during the period 1998 - 2010, including Chief Legal Counsel, Group Company Secretary and Group Compliance Manager. She was appointed to the company’s Executive Team in 2004.
Prior to joining Aviva Australia, Elizabeth spent 18 years at Minter Ellison, one of the largest law firms in Australia, where she practiced as a commercial lawyer with special expertise in the areas of superannuation, securitisation and collective investments.
Elizabeth is a fellow of the AICD, FINSIA, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators and the Governance Institute of Australia.
Damien Mu
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Damien Mu is the CEO and Managing Director of AIA Australia. Damien’s career at AIA Australia began in 2007, and he was appointed to the role of CEO in 2014. Damien has more than 20 years’ experience in the Australian financial services industry, with management experience spanning life and health insurance, superannuation and investments. Over this time, Damien has also developed insight into the importance of wellbeing and is a strong advocate for positive physical and mental health.
In 2014 the company launched AIA Vitality, a world leading health and wellbeing program, to the Australian market. New Zealand was added to his responsibilities for the period of July 2016 to January 2022 and in July 2017, AIA and its partners launched AIA’s health insurance business, now known as AIA Health.
In September 2017, AIA announced the acquisition of the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited and a strategic bancassurance arrangement with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, subject to regulatory approvals. In July 2018, AIA completed its acquisition of Sovereign Assurance Company Limited (now AIA New Zealand), and entered into a strategic bancassurance arrangement with ASB Bank, in New Zealand.
Damien is married to Simone and has two children, Bailey and Kai. He is passionate about inspiring people to be their best and leading a purpose led organisation that makes a difference and champions healthier, longer, better lives.
In 2021 Damien was awarded Insurance Leader of the year at the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) Insurance Industry Awards. Damien has also previously been awarded Shared Value Champion at the Shared Value Awards and the AB+F Australian Insurance Executive of the Year. He holds a number of directorships including ANZIIF and he is also an Advisory Board member of the Shared Value Project.
Stuart A. Spencer
Director and Group Chief Marketing Officer
Stuart is a member of the Group Executive of AIA Group Ltd, responsible for the Group’s marketing initiatives, customer propositions and AIA Vitality. He is a director of various companies within the Group. Stuart re-joined AIA in May 2017 from Zurich Insurance Group, where he was most recently the interim CEO, Asia Pacific. Prior to that he was Chief Executive Officer, General Insurance, Asia Pacific for Zurich Insurance from 2013 to 2016. Stuart was with the American International Group from 1996 to 2009, during which time he held a number of senior positions including leading their Accident & Health General Insurance operations in Latin America and the Caribbean and President – Accident and Health Worldwide. Stuart was also the Global Head and COO, Worldwide Life, Accident & Health, for Chubb Insurance. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and Brandeis University.
Leo Grepin
Regional Chief Executive and Group Chief Distribution Officer
Leo is the Regional Chief Executive and Group Chief Strategy Officer responsible for the Group’s businesses operating in Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia as well as leading the Group’s Strategy and Corporate Development functions. Leo is a member of the Group Executive Committee. He joined the Group in January 2022.
Prior to joining the Group, Leo was President of Asia for Sun Life. Before joining Sun Life, He was at Bridgewater Associates, a global hedge fund, where he led the team that managed portfolio construction and trade generation for all the funds. He also spent 15 years at McKinsey & Company and led the global client service teams serving several multinational insurers as Senior Partner. Leo has a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (Hons) from McGill University.
Our Executive Committee
Our Executive Committee is made up of industry-leading figures from a diverse variety of professional backgrounds, collectively equipping AIA Australia with the expertise and leadership qualities to drive sustainable growth of the business.
Damien Mu
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Damien Mu is the CEO and Managing Director of AIA Australia. Damien’s career at AIA Australia began in 2007, and he was appointed to the role of CEO in 2014. Damien has more than 20 years’ experience in the Australian financial services industry, with management experience spanning life and health insurance, superannuation and investments. Over this time, Damien has also developed insight into the importance of wellbeing and is a strong advocate for positive physical and mental health.
In 2014 the company launched AIA Vitality, a world leading health and wellbeing program, to the Australian market. New Zealand was added to his responsibilities for the period of July 2016 to January 2022 and in July 2017, AIA and its partners launched AIA’s health insurance business, now known as AIA Health.
In September 2017, AIA announced the acquisition of the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited and a strategic bancassurance arrangement with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, subject to regulatory approvals. In July 2018, AIA completed its acquisition of Sovereign Assurance Company Limited (now AIA New Zealand), and entered into a strategic bancassurance arrangement with ASB Bank, in New Zealand.
Damien is married to Simone and has two children, Bailey and Kai. He is passionate about inspiring people to be their best and leading a purpose led organisation that makes a difference and champions healthier, longer, better lives.
In 2021 Damien was awarded Insurance Leader of the year at the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) Insurance Industry Awards. Damien has also previously been awarded Shared Value Champion at the Shared Value Awards and the AB+F Australian Insurance Executive of the Year. He holds a number of directorships including ANZIIF and he is also an Advisory Board member of the Shared Value Project.
Michael Chernov
Chief Financial Officer
Michael Chernov is the Chief Financial Officer for AIA Australia and New Zealand. Michael is a qualified actuary with over 18 years of experience in the life insurance industry in both Australia and the United Kingdom.
Michael joined AIA Australia in 2009, initially working in the Actuarial Department. In 2010, Michael moved to the Finance team to head up the newly created Business Analysis team. In 2014, Michael moved into the role of Head of Strategy and Business Analytics, where he was responsible for corporate strategy and operating rhythm; strategic insights including researching emerging market trends; enterprise initiatives such as health, banca and shared value; and performance reporting & analytics for IFA, Group and AIA Vitality. Michael has been in his current role as Chief Financial Officer since 2017.
Prior to joining AIA Australia, Michael gained experience in both consulting and reinsurance with roles at Munich Re (UK), Deloitte (UK and Australia) and Trowbridge Consulting (Australia).
Sam Tremethick
Chief Partnership Distribution Officer
Sam has over 20 years’ experience in the life insurance sector, specialising in the retail distribution of life insurance, investment and superannuation products. He joined AIA Australia in August 2012, and has held various roles across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.
In he’s current role is responsible for the distribution of our retail insurance products through Financial Advisers and our Bancassurance partner. He also holds the responsibility for growing AIA Health in Australia.
Before rejoining the AIA Australia team in October 2022, Sam was the Chief Partnership Distribution Officer for AIA New Zealand, and prior to that he was Regional Head of High Net Wealth and IFA for AIA Group based in Hong Kong.
Sam holds a Bachelor of Business and a Masters of Business Administration, both from RMIT University in Melbourne.
Skye Crawford
Chief People & Culture Officer
Skye Crawford is the Chief People and Culture Office for AIA Australia and New Zealand. Skye joined AIA in September 2020 and has over 20 years’ experience across a diverse number of industries including Financial Services, Professional Services, Mining and Consumer Services.
Skye holds an Executive MBA from Melbourne Business School, a Bachelor of Business (QUT) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Prior to joining AIA Australia, Skye led HR for all customer segments at Australia Post, supporting a significant transformation in the organisation’s go-to-market model. In addition Skye has worked overseas with Rio Tinto in HR roles predominantly focused on organisational change and talent management. An established HR professional, Skye has also held senior roles at Incitec Pivot, Telstra (Sensis), and Ernst & Young.
With a career focused on driving change in complex organisations, Skye has a passion for building sustainable businesses where people can thrive; and has proven success in coaching executives to positively impact the people they lead.
Stephanie Phillips
Chief Shared Value and Marketing Officer
Stephanie Phillips is AIA Australia’s Chief Shared Value and Marketing Officer. Stephanie has more than 30 years’ experience in the Australian financial services industry spanning operations, claims, client relationship management, shared value and wellbeing.
Stephanie originally joined AIA Australia in October 2009 and was appointed Head of Group Insurance in early 2010, in this position she played an instrumental role in developing and growing the company’s Group Insurance business market share.
Stephanie later joined AIA’s regional head office in Hong Kong to take on the role of Director - Group Corporate Solutions, where she was responsible for supporting and developing AIA’s Group Insurance businesses across the Asia region. After returning to Australia, Stephanie was appointed AIA Australia’s Chief Group Insurance Officer - a role she held for six years.
In June 2021, Stephanie was appointed as Chief Shared Value and Marketing Officer in which she is responsible for further developing and shaping AIA’s shared value proposition.
Gerry Schipper
Chief Risk Officer
Gerry Schipper is currently the Chief Risk Officer for AIA Australia. He is responsible for Risk & Compliance.
Gerry is a qualified lawyer and a chartered accountant. He has more than 30 years’ experience in financial services.
Gerry joined AIA in August 2010 as Head of Group Internal Audit. He built a team of internal auditors to serve the needs of AIA as the largest Pan-Asian life company. In this role he was responsible for leading a team of around 160 internal auditors in the 18 countries where AIA has operations.
Gerry has worked extensively with the Risk & Compliance function of AIA Group in the upgrade of its operational risk framework, and the implementation of a group-wide automated risk and controls system.
Gerry joined Deloitte in South Africa in 1991, and in addition to South Africa and Hong Kong, has worked in Luxembourg and Australia. Before joining Deloitte, he lectured commercial law at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Mike Thornton
Chief Transformation Officer
As Chief Transformation Officer, Mike is responsible for leading AIA Australia’s transformation, as we create a simpler, faster and more connected business for our customers, partners and people.
Mike has 30 years’ experience in life insurance, wealth management and financial planning, in Australia, the UK and Asia. He has held a wide range of executive roles, including Group Chief Actuary and Chief Risk Officer roles. Prior to joining AIA in February 2016, Mike was the Group Chief Risk Officer at AMP, and prior to that, had a long career with the AXA Group.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in Australia and the UK, and is a Certified Experienced Risk Actuary.
Mike is energetic, enthusiastic and passionate about optimising organisational and risk management capabilities to drive sustainable business performance and make a difference for our customers.
Kristy Redfern
General Counsel
Kristy Redfern is AIA Australia’s General Counsel and leads AIA’s award-winning legal team. Kristy has 19 years of experience in a variety of leadership, law, executive and governance roles. She is qualified to practice law in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and is a Chartered member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Kristy has worked within the financial services sector, sport, insurance and energy sectors across Australasia, United Kingdom and the Middle East. Kristy has also served as a Director on the Boards of Hockey New Zealand and the Financial Services Council as well as being an Executive Director of AIA.
As a former international hockey player, Kristy is passionate about making a difference and helping people live healthy, active lives. Born and bred on a farm in New Zealand, Kristy is now based in Melbourne with her husband Fraser and their two children.
Sander Van Den Berg
Chief Technology Officer
Sander van den Berg is the Chief Technology Officer of AIA Australia. Sander joined the AIA Group in 2020 as Group Head of Data Platforms & Data Governance, where he managed the implementation of a Group-wide data governance and data quality program and initiated the Group AI strategy. During this time, he also acted as interim Chief Technology Officer for AIA Hong Kong.
Sander has over 20 years’ experience in insurance operations, technology transformations and outsourcing across the U.S., Europe and Asia. He began his career with IBM in the Netherlands in the mid-1990s before moving to London to join CGI in 1998, in his first global business management role. He later returned to the Netherlands, joining DXC to lead its Dutch Financial Services Business Unit, and subsequently became part of the global strategic insurance accounts team where he was responsible for the executive relationships with two global tier one insurers. In 2011, Sander moved to Hong Kong to assume responsibility for the Asian operations of the global strategic insurance accounts.
Several years with PwC and Deloitte followed, during which Sander advised international insurers on strategy, finance, distribution, operations and technology transformations. Prior to joining AIA, he was a Partner at Deloitte, leading its insurance technology practice.
Sander holds a Master of Science in Information Technology from the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.
Michael Tropea
Director Corporate Transactions
Michael Tropea was appointed as Director Corporate Transactions for AIA Australia in February 2022. Working with other members of the Executive Committee, Michael has a central role in strategic business planning and leads the execution of all corporate transactions and inorganic opportunities. He is also the executive leader of the end to end Savings & Investment (S&I) Business, encompassing Product, Operations, Line 1 Risk, Investments and Delivery, covering ~200 staff, 280 products.
Michael joined AIA Australia in 2010, and has over 20 years' professional experience across law, corporate transactions and financial services.
Prior to being appointed Director Corporate Transactions, Michael was General Counsel & Company Secretary of AIA Australia & New Zealand for over 10 years. In that role, he oversaw all legal, company secretarial and governance matters for AIA Australia, earning respect as a manager and making significant changes to internal processes to optimise cost saving and efficiency. As General Counsel, Michael demonstrated a strong track record in the organisation and provided leadership on several critical programs. This included leading the negotiations, finalising transaction documents and achieving Part 9 Completion for Project Infinity. Michael also led legal negotiations with Resolution Life Australasia on the sale of AIA Australia’s S&I business, and continues to be actively involved in overseeing completion of the sale and implementing the transition process in his current role.
Before joining AIA Australia, Michael was International VP & Asia Regional Counsel at New York Life’s regional headquarters in Hong Kong, and worked at law firms Baker & McKenzie and Allen & Overy in Hong Kong, and Mallesons Stephen Jaques in Sydney and Melbourne.
Michael is admitted to practice law in Victoria, New South Wales and Hong Kong. He has a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Melbourne.