The company has filled two newly created roles in its Pacific leadership team, with MLC corporate superannuation general manager Helen Murdoch to take the title of sales and commercial acceleration leader, while Saranne Broderick has joined the company as chief strategy officer.
In her most recent job, Ms Broderick was a director at Deloitte in the mergers, acquistions, separations and integrations team, previously holding a range of senior roles at ANZ, EY and Citibank.
David Bryant, Mercer president, Pacific region and chief executive for Australia commented the newly formed positions were critical capabilities for the strategic direction of the business.
“As the opportunities in the market change, so must we. Increasingly, our clients are coming to us with complex needs, and we have the ability to add greater value by bringing the diverse capabilities and solutions across our business together,” Mr Bryant said.
“In these newly created roles, Helen and Saranne will oversee and drive our capabilities in sales, commercial acceleration and strategy, so that we can better deliver a holistic offering to our clients and drive growth for the business and for the benefit of our clients.”
Ms Murdoch will commence as sales and commercial acceleration leader in June, responsible for the growth agenda of the business.
She will return to Mercer after her stint with MLC, having previously held leadership roles across product and investments from 2011 to 2018, including leading multi-manager funds at Mercer.
Three new non-executive directors have also joined the company from April – with Alice Williams and Susan Gosling joining Mercer Investments (Australia) and Jim Minto walking over to Mercer Superannuation (Australia).
Dr Gosling, a 35-year veteran in investment management, has joined Mercer Investments’ board after retiring from her role as head of investments at MLC Asset Management in late 2019.
She is also a member of MLC’s private equity investment committee and deputy chair of non-profit Taldumande Youth Services.
Ms Williams, currently the chair of the investment committee for Defence Health and chair of the audit committee for Djerriwarrh Investments, has a reported 20 years’ experience as a board director across financial services, infrastructure and energy, as well as federal government.
On the pair, Mercer Investments chair Ross Butler commented: “They bolster the capabilities of our board – Susan is a recognized innovator, leader and mentor in our sector with a strong background in strategy and governance and Alice has deep expertise in audit, risk, investment and remuneration.”
Meanwhile Mr Minto is currently the chair of Swiss Re Life & Health Australia, also holding positions on the boards of Dai-ichi Life Asia Pacific and the National Disability Insurance Agency, among other organisations. He was previously a director of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) and served as the chair from 2013 to 2015.
Mercer Superannuation chair Jan Swinhoe commented: “He adds valuable skills and knowledge across financial services, leadership and governance to our board.
“His contribution will strengthen our ability to provide our clients and our members with improved retirement outcomes, and strengthen our competitive position in the market.”
Mr Bryant commented that he looked forward to working with the new trio of directors on the group’s growth strategy.
“Amidst the changes and challenges that the superannuation and investment sectors continue to experience, what remains true is our purpose to make a positive difference in people’s lives and our boards play a key role in keeping us focused on this vision,” Mr Bryant said.
