MLC Life Insurance has boosted its retail distribution team for the future as the life insurer focuses on providing stronger partnership support to licensees and advisers.
Michael Downey, General Manager of Retail Distribution Partnerships at MLC Life Insurance, has expanded his leadership team with several recent appointments that have significant industry expertise in retail insurance and strong partnership credentials.
These appointments broaden the team’s existing strength and include:
- Lee Cheesman – Head of Retail Distribution Governance & Key Accounts. Lee has worked in the industry for over 30 years and has a strong background in Distribution, Sales, Account Management, Advice, Compliance, Risk Management and Operations. Lee began his career as a financial adviser in the UK and then upon arriving in Australia has spent the past 20 years at MLC Wealth in advice and senior leadership roles. These include – Practice Development Manager, National Insurance Retention Manager, Head of Advice Development and Head of Strategic Growth Advice. His most recent role also involved leading the MLC Advice Licensee Partnership Program.
- Justine Marquet – Senior Manager Retail Distribution Strategy, Enablement & Capability (secondment). Justine has 25 years’ experience in the life insurance industry and is currently the Head of Product Technical Services & Regulatory Change at MLC Life Insurance. Prior to joining MLC Life Insurance Justine held senior leadership roles at both AIA Australia and AXA in education and technical support services for advisers. Before then, she was Head of Professional Development at Kaplan.
The new appointments follow the launch of MLC Life Insurance’s new income protection products called Income Assure and Income Assure+. The products provide income protection insurance with a range of cover options to suit specific needs and budgets, making it easier for advisers to help clients protect what’s important to them.
General Manager of Retail Distribution Partnerships, Michael Downey, said, “I’m delighted that both Lee and Justine are joining us. They are highly qualified and experienced insurance industry professionals with a passion for improving our partnerships with advisers and licensees. Their expertise will be important in supporting our strategic direction and to deliver on the promises we make to our customers and business partners.”