Willis Towers Watson appoints new head of Australasia
Willis Towers Watson has announced the appointment of Simon Weaver as head of Australasia, effective immediately, following Andrew Boal’s decision to leave the company after 27 years.
Head of international for Willis Towers Watson, Adam Garrard, said “Andrew led the company with distinction, taking it through a stage of intense integration and consolidation.
“Andrew’s leadership has been invaluable during this period of significant change and we are grateful to him. He is an industry figure, and a highly regarded and trusted strategic adviser. I would like to thank him for his enormous contribution to Willis Towers Watson and his many years of dedication and service.”
Weaver’s role as head of corporate risk and broking (CRB) has been merged into the head of Australasia position.
Commenting on Weaver’s appointment, Garrard said that “Simon has extensive risk management and insurance broking industry expertise. He has a strong knowledge and understanding of our Human Capital and Benefits (HCB) segment, having managed our combined Singapore operations through and after the Willis Towers Watson merger.”
MetLife announces new CEO for Australia
MetLife has announced Richard Nunn as its next CEO in Australia, commencing 1 May 2019.
Nunn is currently the CEO of SA based Statewide Super. He brings over 30 years’ financial services experience across wealth management (including life insurance and retail advice) and banking in Australia and Asia more broadly.
Geoff Brunsdon, chair of MetLife in Australia, said of the appointment: “We’re delighted to welcome Richard to MetLife. His deep financial services experience and proven ability to deliver growth make him a great fit for MetLife.
Prior to joining Statewide, Nunn worked for NAB, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), IOOF and AXA, across a range of management roles and geographies. He will be relocating to Sydney to take up the role in May.
Brunsdon also thanked Vince Watt, MetLife Australia’s CFO, who will continue as acting CEO until Nunn commences in May.
Equity Trustees appoints new chief risk officer
Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, Equity Trustees has announced the appointment of Owen Brailsford as chief risk officer, commencing in February.
He previously led the risk and compliance team at TelstraSuper.
“Owen brings 20 years of international experience in risk management and regulatory roles in the superannuation, pensions and insurance industries,” said Mick O’Brien, managing director.
Brailsford’s background includes roles at the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), Prudential PLC and RSA Insurance (both UK) and a risk management advisory role at KPMG.
Mine Super announces resignation of CIO
Mine Super has announced the resignation of its chief investment officer David Bell.
Bell has been employed by Mine Super since July 2014 and has been instrumental in advancing the fund’s investment model from being consultant-led to an internally driven model.
He is leaving to focus on the completion of his PhD on investment management at the University of New South Wales and will remain with the fund over the coming months while a recruitment search is undertaken.
AMP announces new appointment to its group leadership
AMP has announced the appointment of Alex Wade to its group leadership team as group executive, advice, effective
7 January 2019. He will report to AMP chief executive Francesco De Ferrari and will lead the continuing transformation of AMP’s advice business.
Wade will succeed AMP group executive, advice and New Zealand, Jack Regan, who is retiring from AMP after nearly 20 years’ service.
AMP chief executive Francesco De Ferrari said: “Alex is a talented leader and strategic thinker, who will bring valued experience and relationships to AMP’s advice business. The financial advice industry in Australia is in the process of renewal, and AMP and Alex will play a prominent role in driving this change. We firmly believe that financial advice is essential for helping people manage their finances, and plan for retirement.’
Mercer’s new appointment in portfolio management senior leadership team
Mercer has announced the expansion of its Australian Portfolio Management senior leadership team with the appointment of Ronan McCabe as head of portfolio management.
McCabe joins Mercer from the Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Ireland, where he was a senior investment manager.
Relocating from Dublin to Sydney and commencing in February 2019, McCabe will be responsible for leading manager selection and portfolio construction at the asset class level for the Mercer Funds.
MLC Life Insurance announces new board appointment
MLC Life Insurance has announced the appointment of Jacqueline Korhonen to its board as an independent non-executive director. Korhonen has over 30 years’ experience in the technology sector, most recently as Asia Pacific VicePresident of Cognitive Process Transformation Services with IBM. Prior to that she was CEO with Infosys Australia from 2008 to 2014.
Super SA board welcomes new presiding member
Super SA is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Boulton as presiding member (chair) of the Super SA Board by the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency The Honourable Hieu Van Le AC.
“Greg brings a wealth of experience to Super SA, including insights from private sector super fund management, which will invigorate our team,” said Super SA chief executive Dascia Bennett. “The Board and I are really looking forward to working with Greg to achieve our strategic goals for members and the fund.”
Boulton fills the vacancy left by former presiding member, Annette Hurley.
Australian Ethical appoints new chief operating officer
Australian Ethical Investment has announced the appointment of Kim Heng as chief operating officer.
Phil Vernon, managing director at Australian Ethical Investment, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kim to Australian Ethical Investment. She brings significant operational and industry expertise to our organisation which we look forward to leveraging to support the ongoing growth of our business.”
Kim’s appointment brings gender diversity at senior management to just under 50/50 split (44 per cent female / 56 per cent male). The company, which has exceeded its gender diversity targets for the overall business, has a 50/50 gender split at board level.
