TAL Board appoints Angela Mentis and Akifumi Kai as Directors

TAL, Australia's largest life insurer, today announced the appointment to the company’s Board of Angela Mentis as an Independent Non-Executive Director (effective 21 April 2026) and Akifumi Kai as a Non-Executive Director (effective 31 May 2026). TAL also acknowledged the retirement of Christine Bartlett from the Board, following her significant contribution as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

Mrs Mentis brings 37 years of financial services experience to the TAL Board, including as Managing Director and CEO of Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), Group Executive Business Banking and Chief Digital, Data and Analytics Officer at National Australia Bank (NAB), and senior roles at Westpac, BT Financial Group and Citibank.

Mr Kai brings to the TAL Board extensive experience in corporate strategy and business development across Japanese and global financial institutions. He currently serves as a Director of Daiichi Life Group, Inc (Daiichi Life Group), where he has been responsible for corporate planning, organisational restructuring, and the development and execution of growth strategies in Japan and overseas.

TAL Chair David Cohen said, "We are delighted to welcome both Angela and Akifumi to the TAL Board. Angela brings deep expertise across digital strategy and customer transformation, and a proven track record of leading large, complex organisations with purpose and performance. Akifumi brings valuable perspective from Daiichi Life Group, along with a strong background in corporate strategy and international business development. Together, their complementary experience will be a tremendous asset to TAL as we continue to grow and evolve the way we serve Australians, their families and communities.”

"At the same time, I want to extend our thanks to Christine Bartlett for her outstanding contribution to the TAL Board. Christine has brought dedication, insight and wisdom during her tenure. Christine’s counsel has been a valuable part of shaping TAL's strategic direction. We wish her all the very best."

TAL Group CEO and Managing Director Fiona Macgregor said, "We welcome Angela's and Akifumi's appointments to the TAL Board. Angela's expertise in customer experience, organisational culture, and business performance, combined with her strong background in digital and data strategy, aligns exceptionally well with our priorities.”

“Akifumi's deep knowledge of Daiichi Life's strategy and his international financial services experience will further strengthen the connection between TAL and Daiichi Life. We very much look forward to the perspective and counsel both Angela and Akifumi will bring."

Mrs Mentis said, "I am honoured to join the TAL Board at such an exciting time for the business and for the life insurance industry more broadly. TAL's commitment to protecting Australians and supporting them and their families when it matters most deeply resonates with me. I have spent my career focused on customers and communities, and I look forward to contributing to TAL's next chapter."

Mr Kai said, "I am pleased to join the TAL Board and look forward to contributing to TAL's continued growth and success. TAL plays a vital role in protecting Australians and their families, and I look forward to supporting the business as it continues to evolve."