MLC Life Insurance has welcomed the continued close partnership with its majority shareholder Nippon Life Insurance, following the appointment of one of their most senior international executives, Koji Ichiba, as both a Board Director and a member of its Executive Team.

“MLC Life Insurance is a part of the Nippon Group and its largest business outside of Japan,” said Kent Griffin, Chief Executive Officer for MLC Life Insurance, “and this appointment is a sign of the close working relationship between Nippon Life and MLC Life, and the commitment that Nippon Life has to the ongoing success of our business in the Australian market.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Koji Ichiba to MLC Life Insurance and I know the broader business looks forward to working with Ichiba-san as well,” he said.

Minoru Kimura, Director and Managing Executive Officer for Nippon Life Insurance Group said of the appointment: “We believe in the importance and future of life insurance in Australia and MLC Life Insurance is an integral part of Nippon Life Insurance’s international growth strategy.”

“We are delighted Ichiba-san will be able to bring his unique expertise and significant international experience to MLC Life Insurance at this important time, as part of this critical partnership.”

Speaking of his appointment, Koji Ichiba said, “I am pleased to join MLC Life Insurance and would like to contribute to the development of the company and the Australian life insurance industry for our customers by fully utilising my experience in various countries.”

“MLC Life Insurance is an important part of the Nippon Life Group and this is a critical time for the industry to deliver for customers following implementation of the Albanese Government’s reforms to improve the access by all Australians to quality advice.”

Koji Ichiba joins MLC Life from Nippon’s Tokyo office, most recently serving as the General Manager of Overseas Life Insurance where he was responsible for financial performance and governance / risk management for all of Nippon Life’s global insurance businesses.

Joining Nippon Life Insurance in 1993, Koji has held multiple roles across the business, working in a number of locations including Thailand, Singapore and India. Some of these roles include Executive Vice President for Reliance Life Assurance in India, and Chief Executive Officer for Nippon Life Asia Pacific.

Ichiba-san replaces Tomonao Gotoda, who is returning to Tokyo where he will take up the senior role of General Manager, Global Business Planning Department within the Nippon Life Insurance Group.

“Gotoda-san has been a highly respected member of our Executive Team, a member of the MLC Life Insurance Board and his contribution over the past five years has been enormous and will have a lasting impact. From overseeing the acquisition and separation of MLC Life Insurance from National Australia Bank, to his leading role though the difficult times of the pandemic, he will be greatly missed both personally, and professionally,” said Kent Griffin, Chief Executive Officer for MLC Life Insurance.

Koji commenced in the role on 25 March 2024.