Suncorp NZ has appointed Alison Barrass and Kate Jorgensen as independent directors of the organisation’s boards.

Chairman David Flacks says the additional governance and financial skill that Ms Barrass and Ms Jorgensen bring will be invaluable.

“Both of these independent directors have a strong customer focus which can be seen in their current and previous directorships,” he said.

Ms Barrass primarily works with New Zealand based businesses that are investing significantly in digitisation and/or international growth.

Currently, she is a director with Spark NZ, Rockit Apples and Zespri, and is Chair of Tom & Luke and Babich Wines.

Ms Jorgensen has significant financial, audit and commercial experience and has held senior leadership positions within the telecommunications, infrastructure and construction industries. She also has extensive governance experience with a focus on risk management and sustainability.

Currently she is a non-executive director on Chorus and a board trustee on the Dingle Foundation, and was Vodafone New Zealand CFO before her current roles.

The directors will sit on the Vero New Zealand Insurance, Vero Liability Insurance and Asteron Life boards.