Our Directors
Michelle van Gaalen BBS
Chairman
Michelle has had an extensive career both in New Zealand and offshore, focused primarily in consumer services industries. She is Managing Director of Belron NZ Limited (Smith&Smith®, Laser® Plumbing & Electrical, and Exceed). In the past she has held senior positions in telecommunications, financial services, insurance and retailing businesses as well as directorships in insurance and financial services companies, and is currently also on the Board of Franchise Association of NZ.
Andrew Spencer BCom, CA
Director
As Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, and Director of the Board, Andrew is a certified public practising chartered accountant with offices in Auckland and Queenstown. Andrew holds several professional director/chair positions with large unlisted business enterprises, and is a trustee and adviser to high net worth and private family trusts, both locally and for international investors.
Graeme Booth B Com, CA
Graeme is the CFO of Greenstone Pty Ltd. He is a Chartered Accountant with a broad range of international finance and commercial experience garnered over 25 years. Graeme’s previous roles in Australia have included Managing Director of an ASX listed entity and Global CFO of a resource company with producing mines in the USA. Prior to that Graeme had 14 years of senior investment banking experience with Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), ABN Amro and Credit Suisse in London and Hong Kong.
John Roche BBLS, LLM
Director
John is the Chief Risk Officer (CFO) at Greenstone Financial Services, with 14 years direct experience in the distribution and administration of Life Risk insurance products. Prior to this, he was with Hollard Insurance and Insurance Australia Group (IAG) in relation to general insurance compliance and in banking with both St George Bank and a division of Dresdner Bank AG. John also spent time working with Arthur Andersen consulting on business process risk.
Rebecca Sellers MA, LLM, CMInstD
Rebecca is a financial services legal expert, with a strong focus on the consumer. In her 25-year career, Rebecca has worked in New Zealand, Australia and Europe, for licensed financial services companies, listed corporates, iwi, government agencies, and start-ups. She is well-connected to international best practices and innovative thinking. She brings to the Pinnacle Life Board strong skills in risk management, strategy, people, leadership, and innovation.
