MLC Life Insurance has reinforced its market leadership in innovation and transformation with the announcement of several new appointments, including a new Chief Information Officer (CIO), General Manager of Data and Analytics and General Manager of Sourcing and Partnerships.

Nish Chandran, currently CIO and Vice President – Information Technology at First Data for Australia and New Zealand, will join as MLC Life Insurance’s new Chief Information Officer. With more than two decades’ experience in managing large enterprise projects and systems, Nish will manage the new technology capabilities the Sanagi program will deliver – a program that is transitioning the company from NAB’s systems onto new infrastructure to operate as a standalone, independent life insurer. He will then help to transform this technology further to provide a better and quicker experience for customers.

Darren Klein has joined as General Manager of Data and Analytics. Darren brings significant experience in data management and governance, as well as strategic leadership in big data and analytics across the banking, finance, gaming and consulting industries. As a part of the role, Darren will be responsible for formulating the company’s strategy for data governance, analytics and data insights, and establishing a stronger data-driven culture for customers. Prior to joining MLC Life Insurance, Darren held roles at Tabcorp and Contexti.

Fleur Edgerton will join as General Manager of Sourcing and Partnerships. In this role Fleur will focus on strengthening the life insurer’s commercial and supplier management functions. Fleur has vast experience as a qualified solicitor, having worked internationally before stepping into senior commercial management roles in the healthcare, technology, energy and financial services sectors. Most recently she was the Head of ICT Strategic Procurement at Ausgrid.

In addition to the new appointments in the innovation and transformation team:

*Former Chief Underwriter for MLC Life Insurance Debbie Kennedy has been appointed to the new role of General Manager of Business Architecture and Change. Debbie joined MLC Life Insurance in September 2017. She has over 30 years’ experience in financial services working for direct offices, reinsurers and service organisations, including having performed the role of Director of Business Change at AXA in the UK. Debbie will define the blueprint for how MLC Life Insurance will deliver its strategic initiatives, manage change and identify the capabilities, processes and technology needed for business improvement.

*Tim Roso has become the new General Manager of Digital, Innovation and Ventures. Tim’s previous experience includes roles at NAB as Head of Digital Venturing and Channel Development in the Digital and Direct Bank. Tim’s role focuses on consolidating and strengthening the life insurer’s expertise in new ventures, investment, innovation, digital and customer and user experience.

*Michael Tobin, Chief of Staff to CEO, David Hackett, will become General Manager of Transformation and Portfolio Management. Michael brings extensive platform delivery and strategic growth experience in financial services. As part of his role, Michael will translate business strategy into a transformation agenda and establish an Enterprise Portfolio Management Office.

Sarv Girn, Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer, MLC Life Insurance said:

“We are committed to leading the market in technology and innovation. Attracting talent like Nish and Darren, who have extensive experience in large scale transformation and data analytics, will further cement our leadership in these areas and deliver great experiences for customers.

“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.”

Fleur will join in January 2019, and Michael will also transition then. Nish and Darren will officially join the team in February 2019. All will report directly to Sarv Girn.

For all media enquiries please contact:
Lauren Willoughby (mobile: 0472879144 / lauren.willoughby@mlcinsurance.com.au) or
James Cameron (mobile: 0472874082 / james.r.cameron@mlcinsurance.com.au).