Suncorp New Zealand appoints Chief Risk Officer
18 March 2026
Suncorp New Zealand has appointed Beckie McCleland as its new Chief Risk Officer, following an extensive recruitment process.
CEO Jimmy Higgins says with the shift to a more automated AI industry and focus on uplifting New Zealand's overall risk culture, it was important to find someone with a good depth of experience in this space.
“Beckie’s credentials reflect the role we need to play in the industry moving forward and we were lucky she was interested in returning to New Zealand,” he says.
McCleland brings significant risk and compliance experience in the financial services sector, with senior leadership roles in Australia and New Zealand. McCleland has worked across both Line 1 and Line 2 risk functions and has extensive experience in governance, operational risk, regulatory change, and customer‑facing financial advice.
Recognised for her practical and business‑aligned approach to risk, McCleland has a track record of building effective and scalable frameworks, simplifying complexity, improving processes, and working constructively with Boards and executive leadership teams.
She will join Suncorp New Zealand in late May.
Pictured: Beckie McCleland
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