New face at finance company

Avanti Finance has announced the appointment of Elaine Owen, who joins its senior executive team as head of product and markets. 

Owen, pictured, has been taken on-board to support the company’s “significant” growth and to develop new products that meet the needs of introducers and consumers in New Zealand and Australia. 

She has an extensive background in product development and marketing in the financial-services industry. 

Owen joins Avanti Finance from the Medical Assurance Society (MAS) where she was chief product officer. In this executive role, she was accountable for the end-to-end product offering and associated profitability of its diverse product range. 

Before her time at MAS, she held a senior role at ANZ and has worked in London, Amsterdam, Sydney and Melbourne. She has experience in lending and across market segments – including retail, commercial and investment banking – and understands what people want in this space and market.

Owen, who started in her new role on September 8, says: “Avanti’s values were a key part of why I wanted to join the company – putting customers first, doing the right thing and being relentlessly helpful with people’s journeys.” She plans to help Avanti innovate and grow, supporting good customer outcomes. 

“We’re delighted to have Elaine on-board,” says Mark Mountcastle, chief executive officer. “Her experience in product development and financial background are key to driving growth and developing financial products at Avanti.”