MLC Life Insurance has reinforced its market leadership in innovation and technology with the appointment of Sarv Girn, currently Chief Information Officer at the Reserve Bank of Australia, to the newly created role of Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer.

Girn will officially join the life insurer in May, and will report directly to CEO David Hackett as a member of MLC Life Insurance’s Leadership Team.

Girn’s main responsibility will be to drive the company’s $400 million transformation program, which is focused on delivering the most advanced digital and process infrastructure in the industry so as to create great customer experience across its group, retail and bancassurance channels.

David Hackett, Chief Executive Officer, MLC Life Insurance said:

“We have an unwavering commitment to leading the market in technology and innovation. Attracting talent like Sarv, who has such extensive financial services experience in digital innovation and customer platforms, will help cement our leadership in these areas.”

“Our ambition is to become Australia’s leading and most trusted life insurer.  This means giving customers a simpler, faster and more enjoyable experience when they purchase and use life insurance, supported by world-class technology.

Since becoming majority owned by the Nippon Life Insurance Group in late 2016, MLC Life Insurance has landed a number of technology enhancements as it seeks to leapfrog its competitors, particularly in group insurance.

The company has launched its online platform for superannuation funds called LifeView, which provides an integrated insurance experience for trustees, administrators and members. Energy Super became the first fund to go live with the platform in November, and it is currently being rolled out with new partner Vision Super.

In addition, the life insurer will shortly roll out its new automated underwriting rules engine for group and retail customers.  This will usher in a new era in underwriting by slashing the time it takes for customers and advisers to purchase cover.

Speaking about his appointment, Girn said:

“I am thrilled to be joining MLC Life Insurance as it drives its industry-leading transformation agenda.  This Australian icon is committed to bringing life insurance into the digital age with the investments they are making in people, technology, innovation and processes. I’m honoured to be able to play a part in driving Australia’s life insurance industry forward in service of customers.”

Sarv has a 30-year career in financial services with extensive experience in CIO, CTO & Executive GM roles in the UK, Australia and Asia, including holding senior executive positions during major customer change programs at both Westpac and the Commonwealth Bank.