ClearView Wealth has appointed Maria Falas to a new Head of Life Strategy and Transformation position.

Sydney-based Ms Falas was formerly Head of Mental Health and Wellness at Zurich Financial Services and spent almost a decade at OnePath when it was owned by ANZ. She reports to Gerard Kerr, ClearView’s GM Life Insurance.

In her new role, Ms Falas will develop and implement ClearView’s life insurance strategy, facilitate collaboration across business functions and spearhead business improvement initiatives.

Mr Kerr said Falas’ appointment reflected the need for a dedicated role to lead strategy and change during a period of significant growth and transformation at ClearView and disruption for the broader industry.

“The life insurance industry is undergoing enormous structural and regulatory change making it critically important for life insurers to have experienced people with fresh ideas in key roles,” he said.

“Maria is a respected professional who has successfully led strategic change across the life insurance value chain and has driven operational innovation. She is a high performer with a proven track record for delivering results and achieving strategic goals.”

ClearView says it is planning to launch a new life insurance offering in the second half of the year as it introduces a new policy administration system, underwriting rules engine and adviser portal.