Tower has appointed Naomi Ballantyne as an independent director, filling a casual vacancy.

The New Zealand insurer says she is “a serial entrepreneur with both executive and governance skills”. 

Ms Ballantyne sold Partners Life – an insurance company she founded in 2010 – two years ago and is a Dai-ichi Life Asia-Pacific director.

“Naomi has forged an impressive career, having founded, built and led successful financial services companies for more than 40 years,” chair Michael Stiassny said.

“This experience will be invaluable to Tower.”

Ms Ballantyne founded Unique Solutions & Advice and ING Life NZ (now Chubb), and was COO at Sovereign (now AIA) for 12 years. 

Her previous directorships include Accuro Health Insurance, Club Life and New Zealand Superannuation Services.