Our story and the people behind PPS Mutual

Billy joined PPS Mutual in 2023 as our first employee and has since built a talented and passionate team to establish the business. Billy enjoyed a successful senior leadership career in financial services across South Africa, Kenya, and Australia and played a key role in PPS’s expansion into the Australian market before moving to New Zealand in 2019. Outside of work, Billy is an avid saltwater fly-fisherman, an adventure that has taken him to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations in pursuit of adventure.

Virginia (Ginny) joined PPS Mutual in late 2023 bringing deep expertise in risk, governance, and legal in both the banking and insurance industries. With a keen ability to navigate complexity and drive clarity and purpose, ensuring our decisions support long-term Member value while upholding the highest standards of compliance and trust. Outside of work, Ginny loves architecture and design and is a keen Waihekian exploring all it has to offer with her family, including Daisy the Goldie and Freddie Valentino the Cavachon.

Len joined PPS Mutual in late 2023, taking on the challenge of laying the operational, financial, actuarial, and technology foundations that enable our team to deliver an outstanding service experience to our Members and Advisers. With a passion for developing high performing teams and a track record of innovation in the New Zealand life insurance market, Len is excited to bring the PPS Mutual experience to our New Zealand Members. Outside of work, Len is a proud new dad to Harry and a passionate motorsports enthusiast.

Jen joined PPS in early 2024 and has had a broad career spanning business psychology, management consulting and in-house leadership positions, across Wealth Management, Banking and Insurance. Her focus is challenging the status quo for Distribution, Marketing and People, bringing a different focus to how we partner with our network of Independent Advisers. Outside of work Jen is a passionate animal lover, garden enthusiast and enjoys a good wine and food pairing.

Quintin joined in PPS Mutual in late 2023, bringing years of experience in product development and actuarial science in leading our product and Member value proposition. He is dedicated to delivering life insurance solutions tailored to the distinct needs of professionals, ensuring they receive comprehensive coverage that aligns with their unique financial and lifestyle requirements. He has an immense passion for customer-driven innovation. Quintin is married with four children and enjoys recreational boxing as a sport.

Adrianne joined PPS Mutual in early 2024, leading the development of our underwriting and claims foundations. Recognised for her deep underwriting expertise, forward-thinking approach, and dedication to industry sustainability, she is committed to equipping Advisers with underwriting solutions that deliver good customer outcomes and long-term member value. She is dedicated to transforming the underwriting experience to meet the evolving needs of the market while upholding the highest standards of trust and sustainability. Outside of work, Adrianne enjoys family, friends, luxury travel, art, festivals, and fine dining.

Patrice (Pat) retired as Chief Distribution Officer for AIA/Sovereign Assurance Limited in April 2019 having held several senior and executive positions within the company from April 2011. Prior to moving to New Zealand in 2010 Pat held a number of senior positions with the Standard Bank Group in South Africa including that of Managing Director of Vehicle and Asset Finance and Chair of Standard Bank Fleet Management. Prior to banking, Pat held executive positions in numerous global companies. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors. Pat loves the ocean and is a keen boater, fisherman and aspiring golfer.

Graeme’s career in financial services spans over 30 years and includes senior roles with National Mutual/AXA Group, Public Trust, and ASB Group. He currently works as a commercial barrister specialising in corporate governance and financial services. His other appointments include as chairman of the nationwide financial advisory firm Lifetime Group, member of the Financial Advice Code Committee, chairman of Spectrum Foundation, and chairman of ASB Group Investments Limited. Graeme is a member of the Institute of Directors. Outside of work, Graeme enjoys music, travel and photography.

Mary is an experienced independent director and audit and risk committee chair with extensive commercial experience in financial services, healthcare, and aviation. During her executive career, she’s held roles as Chief Financial Officer of Instant Finance and Radius Health Group, and roles with Air New Zealand and KPMG (New Zealand, Germany, and Australia). Her current appointments include Radius Residential Care Limited, Southern Cross Pet Insurance, Unity Credit Union, Independent Audit and Risk Committee Chair of Wood & Partners Consultants, Chair of Netball Northern Zone, Director of Women in Sport Aotearoa. Mary is a member of the Institute of Directors, Fellow Chartered Accountant and Fellow of Governance New Zealand. A sports lover, Mary is an enthusiastic tennis player and keen vegetable gardener.

Thys Nieuwoudt is the Group Executive for PPS New Markets and Ventures. His experience in the financial services sector include CEO of Swiss Re Africa and Head of Business Development at Munich Re of Africa. Prior to his reinsurance career he held various actuarial positions in the Sanlam Group.

Billy joined PPS Mutual in 2023 as our first employee and has since built a talented and passionate team to establish the business. Billy enjoyed a successful senior leadership career in financial services across South Africa, Kenya, and Australia and played a key role in PPS’s expansion into the Australian market before moving to New Zealand in 2019. Outside of work, Billy is an avid saltwater fly-fisherman, an adventure that has taken him to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations in pursuit of adventure.