MLC Life Insurance has been bolstered through the creation of a landmark strategic partnership between National Australia Bank (NAB) and Nippon Life Insurance Company.

As MLC Life Insurance renews its focus on the Group Insurance sector, Suzanne Smith, Chief Customer Officer, Group Insurance at MLC Life Insurance, has expanded the team with the recruitment of experienced pricing actuaries, insurance product experts and relationship managers with extensive institutional client experience, to complement the existing deep experience within the business.

Commenting on the new hires, Smith said, "We’re thrilled to have such high calibre industry professionals join our existing strong team, as we increase our focus on Group Insurance.

“Our ability to attract such great external talent is testament to our plans to broaden and deepen our servicing of corporate and industry funds,” said Smith.

Since taking charge in November 2015, Smith has made several changes to the team, including expanding the portfolio of Joe Thompson to include both Sales & Relationship Management activities and appointing Stephen Sefton as Head of Product and Strategy.

Recent new hires include:

• Michael Shagrin, Senior RM Corporate & Industry Funds who joined from TAL, to lead the Industry Super relationship management team and who comes with more than 20 years’ experience in life insurance;
• Jenny Liu, Pricing Manager, who joined from Metlife, and brings strong experience in the industry fund sector;
• Megan Clements, Strategic Product Manager, who joined from AMP, and who will play a key role in evolving MLC Life Insurance’s industry fund strategy;
• Sean Potter, Senior Relationship Manager, who joined from TAL (and previously worked at Aviva), and has more than 20 years’ experience in insurance with a focus on claims;
• Matt Lang, Senior Manager Transformation, also from TAL, who will play a key role in transforming the member experience through significant planned investment in technology and systems

“Our highly experienced team brings invaluable industry knowledge and insight, as well as a deep passion for people and customers, which is at the core of our business. Our partnering with customers is fuelled by this passion and is a key differentiator for us in the market.

“The recent acquisition of 80% shares of MLC Limited, by the Nippon Life Insurance Company, the eighth largest life insurer in the world, presents us with the opportunity to invest and grow. With this expanded team in place, we are in a very strong position to deepen our existing partnerships with our customers and expand our industry fund portfolio,” said Smith.

About MLC Life Insurance

MLC Life Insurance is a specialised life insurance business. It represents a landmark strategic partnership between National Australia Bank (NAB) and Nippon Life Insurance under which NAB retain 20% shareholding and Nippon Life hold a majority 80% of the shares in MLC Limited, the entity which operates the MLC Life Insurance business. The Australian-led and managed business aims to leverage Nippon Life’s global presence, built over 127 years, alongside MLC Life Insurance’s significant experience in understanding and meeting the insurance needs of everyday Australians since 1886.

For more information on MLC Life Insurance, visit mlcinsurance.com.au