The firm has welcomed Andrew Howard to lead the new function as executive director of strategy and innovation, effective from 11 November. He will report directly to Insignia CEO Scott Hartley.
Howard holds over 25 years of experience across superannuation, advice, life insurance and asset management. Most recently, he was the chief commercial officer for group life and investments at TAL Australia.
Prior to this, he was the chief operating officer and interim CEO at Rest, and also worked in a variety of roles at MLC for more than 12 years.
Commenting on his appointment, Hartley said: “Given the critical importance of the development and execution of our strategy and innovation as a key enabler to this, I am pleased to have Andrew in this pivotal role.
“Andrew will lead the design and implementation of initiatives that deliver competitive products and services to our customers. A key focus area for this team will be on how we, utilising our MLC brand and Expand platform, deliver innovative retirement solutions that drive outcomes for members leading up to, and throughout retirement.”
Alongside Howard, Insignia has also appointed Ashton Jones, Scott Manson and Jeffrey Hopson in the newly formed strategy and innovation team.
Jones joins as director of customer innovation, Insignia confirmed. He holds over 15 years’ experience in wealth and retirement and was formerly the general manager for growth, retirement and wealth partnerships at TAL.
Manson will commence as head of technical solutions and has more than 18 years of experience across superannuation, investments and retirement. Most recently, he was the head of pricing at TAL Australia.
Meanwhile, Hopson has been with Insignia as its head of enterprise strategy since 2021. Prior to this, he has more than 18 years of experience in strategy roles at NAB and Deutsche Bank.
Insignia also confirmed that Dave Woodall, CEO of superannuation, and Renee Howie, chief customer officer with responsibility for advice and marketing, have commenced in their roles on 1 November following the announcement of their appointments in July.
Howie was previously the chief marketing officer at rival licensee AMP, while Woodall joined from superannuation fund Australian Retirement Trust.
