The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has appointed Christine Cupitt as the new peak body’s first CEO.

Ms Cupitt, who will start in January, joins CALI after eight years at the Australian Banking Association (ABA) where she held various roles. She was most recently Chief of Policy and Strategy.

“Life insurance plays an essential role in Australia’s community and economy, and I am delighted to be leading CALI and supporting the industry to meet stakeholder expectations and deliver excellent outcomes for customers,” she said.

“I look forward to working with consumer representatives, regulators, government and other industry associations on issues critical to the life insurance industry.”

CALI Co-Chairmen, AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu and TAL Group CEO Brett Clark, say her appointment is a “significant milestone” in the establishment of the organisation.

“[Her] considerable experience and her senior leadership role at the ABA through a time of significant change across the banking industry places her well to lead CALI’s work in shaping the industry’s direction and continuing to meet the evolving needs and expectations of our customers, partners, stakeholders, and the community,” they said.

“[Ms Cupitt’s] deep experience across banking, wealth, and insurance gives her a unique perspective and ability to ensure CALI is set up for success to advocate for Australians to have access to appropriate, affordable, and sustainable life insurance protection.”

“There is much important work to do on these matters and in the ongoing set up of CALI, and the board will continue driving this progress until [she] commences her new role in January 2023.”

Australia’s life insurers announced in June the creation of CALI, saying the peak body will serve as the “collective voice” of the industry, which until now has been represented by the Financial Services Council.

Life insurers backing the new group believe the time is right for a peak body to focus solely on matters affecting the industry and its customers, given the changing landscape in both regulation and structure.