Life insurer appoints new head of retail, launches new adviser rewards program

A life insurer has appointed a head of retail distribution and launched new loyalty programme, Ascend, for advisers

Life insurer appoints new head of retail, launches new adviser rewards program
Sovereign has appointed Anna Schubert as head of retail distribution, a newly created role in which she will focus the insurer’s sales department on supporting and growing adviser business as well as launch a new loyalty programme, Ascend.

Ascend combines Sovereign’s incentive offering to deliver rewards, education, support and tools that build adviser businesses and ranks the top 200 advisers into tiers (Platinum, Gold and Silver) by recognising new and existing business.

“Sovnet was ground-breaking when it launched 21 years ago, but adviser needs have changed. So we we are very proud to launch Ascend, a special loyalty programme that meets today’s market demand,” said Schubert.

“Ascend gives our top 200 advisers business growth grants, educational opportunities, access to Sovereign’s decision makers, guidance on regulation and compliance as well as incentives.

 “We’re acknowledging the hard work our advisers do every single day to bring in business and look after their clients. Best of all, Ascend is flexible so it meets the diverse needs of our advisers and allows them to focus on the areas of their business they most wish to grow.”

Ascend works on a calendar year and every month advisers will be updated on their indicative ranking and results so they can benchmark their performance and set goals. As the inforce business, persistency and performance of other advisers changes each month, rankings may change too. 

“Through the launch of Ascend, we are sending a clear message to advisers that we are here to help them get better outcomes for their clients.”

Schubert has over 25 years’ experience in the industry, the past 20 years of which have been with Sovereign and has held many senior roles including Head of SovNet and QFE, Senior Manager Distribution Development and Regional Manager Adviser Sales Centre in recent years.

She is a passionate advocate for diversity across the industry and has been instrumental in launching the Sovereign Women in Business sessions. She also participates as a judge in the annual Westpac Auckland Business awards.

Advisers wishing to find out more about Ascend should get in touch with their Sovereign Business Development Manager.