MLC Life Insurance CEO and Managing Director Kent Griffin has been appointed Co-Chair and will share the role with his AIA Australia counterpart Damien Mu.

Kent has more than 30 years’ corporate and consulting experience in financial services, both in Australia and internationally.

“Kent is well known in our industry as an accomplished and respected leader. He’s a wonderful fit for our Board and we’re thrilled with this appointment,” said CALI CEO Christine Cupitt.

“MLC Life Insurance has strongly supported CALI since it was first established and I’m proud to be so closely involved with its progress as it continues to go from strength to strength” said Mr Griffin.

“It’s a pivotal time for our industry and CALI’s an essential part of driving better outcomes for the millions of people Australia’s life insurers serve every day,” he said.

Kent fills the position held by Brett Clark who has been appointed as CEO for Asia Pacific with TAL’s parent company, Dai-ichi Life, after almost a decade as TAL Group CEO and Managing Director.

“Brett has played a fundamental role in establishing CALI and ensuring its success as the leading and trusted voice of life insurance in Australia. We thank him for his invaluable contribution, expertise and guidance,” said Ms Cupitt.

Mr Clark said: “It has been a privilege to have played a role in the establishment of CALI and see its early work benefit customers and the community. I congratulate Kent on his appointment and wish him, Damien and the entire Board and CALI team well in the future.”

Three new Board Directors have also been appointed, including:

• TAL Group CEO and Managing Director Fiona Macgregor
• Munich Re Australasia Life CEO Nicolas Carro
• Challenger Chief Executive of Life and Solutions Anton Kapel.

“We look forward to working with these impressive industry leaders to ensure that Australians of all walks of life view our industry as accessible, understandable and trusted,” she said.

Pacific Life Re Managing Director of Protection, Asia Pacific and Global Strategy Tyson Johnston has also retired from his role on the CALI Board after two years.

“Tyson has been the consistent voice of reinsurers across our membership, and we thank him for his valuable contributions and his service, which came at such an important time for our organisation.”

The new additions to the CALI Board take the total number of Directors to ten.

The post CALI Board elects new Co-Chair and Directors appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Brett Clark

Australian life insurer, TAL, has been recognised for its action and progress towards achieving workplace gender equality by the Commonwealth Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).

It is the tenth consecutive year TAL has received a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation, awarded to Australian organisations that meet rigorous voluntary standards and demonstrate an active commitment to achieving workplace gender equality.

TAL Group CEO and Managing Director Brett Clark said, “TAL has a deep commitment to ensuring that all TAL employees are treated equally and have the same access to opportunities for personal growth and career advancement.”

“Gender equality, and equality overall, is central to what it means to work at TAL and the WGEA citation is a reflection of our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture,” said Mr Clark.

The citation recognises TAL’s commitment to enhancing gender equality through initiatives including:

• a commitment to pay equity and eliminating the gender pay gap
• actively working to achieve greater numbers of women in leadership roles consistent with our target of 40% men, 40% women, 20% people of any gender in senior leadership roles
• equal employment policies and training for everyone at TAL
• providing flexible working options for all people at TAL
• TAL Female Leaders Sponsorship Program, established in FY21, with 16 female leaders participating in the 2024 program.
• offering domestic violence leave, training and support
• immediately accessible parental leave benefits and support for all employees, regardless of gender, including continued paid superannuation and staff group insurance cover
• strengthened monitoring and reporting of gender equity indicators.

The post TAL recognised for its commitment to workplace gender equality for tenth year appeared first on AdviserVoice.

The appointment follows the promotion of TAL’s current Group CEO and Managing Director Brett Clark to the role of CEO and Managing Director of Asia-Pacific for Dai-ichi Life Group, TAL’s parent company, from 1 July 2024.

Leveraging her broad expertise across innovation, customer, partnerships, brand and technology, Fiona will be responsible for leading TAL through its ongoing strategy in the life insurance and retirement markets with a focus on digitally enabled market-leading customer and partner experience.

TAL Board Chair Mark Joiner said “Fiona Macgregor is an impressive leader with more than ten years in senior leadership roles at TAL. She has a strong track record of leadership in the business and has helped to grow and shape TAL.

“Fiona knows our business well and has a deep appreciation for the needs and expectations of our customers and partners in the evolving life insurance and retirement income markets. The Board has been carefully preparing for CEO succession and we are confident Fiona is the right person to lead TAL into the future.

“I would like to sincerely thank Brett for his leadership of TAL over the last nine years. He has built a strong executive team and provided the vision and leadership enabling TAL to grow and go from strength to strength to become one of Australia’s leading life insurers during a significant period of change for the life insurance industry.”

Incoming TAL Group CEO and Managing Director Fiona Macgregor said she is looking forward to leading TAL Australia through its next stage of development.

“Together with our partners, we want to continue to ensure Australians are wellprotected and supported in living the life they have planned for themselves and their families. We’ll keep working hard to ensure we deliver products that are relevant and valued, and a faster, better service experience.

“I’m immensely proud of the contribution we make and the help we provide to Australians when they need us most. I feel privileged to have this opportunity to lead the TAL team.”

Outgoing TAL Group CEO and Managing Director Brett Clark said “It’s been a privilege to lead TAL through a significant period of growth and industry change.

“TAL is a company with a long and proud history in Australia, and I’ve seen every day the difference that we make to the lives of our customers and their families.

“I’m excited by my new opportunity with Dai-ichi Life Group, and to be able to continue to support Fiona and TAL as part of my CEO role in Asia-Pacific.”

Brett and Fiona will work closely together over the coming months to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

The post TAL appoints new Group CEO and Managing Director appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Georgina Croft

TAL is pleased to announce that Georgina Croft will join TAL’s Executive Team and has been appointed Chief Claims Officer commencing 1 March 2024.

Ms Croft joins TAL having spent 13 years at Westpac where she held a number of senior leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer of the bank’s Insurance Division and most recently as Chief Customer Services Officer at BT Financial Group.

Ms Croft brings experience leading large operational teams and has had accountability for front line customer service functions as well as broader experience across mergers and acquisitions, transformational change, risk and compliance, and corporate governance.

Group CEO and Managing Director, Brett Clark said he was delighted to welcome Ms Croft to TAL.

“TAL remains focused on delivering industry-leading claims experience and claims outcomes for our customers and partners, supported by a committed investment program in technology and digital capabilities. Georgina’s extensive leadership experience and customer focus joined with TAL’s continued investment in digital-first claims services and our people, will continue to make the end-to-end claims experience better, faster and simpler for our customers.”

Ms Croft said: “I am thrilled to be joining TAL and supporting the valuable role that it plays in providing protection to more than 5 million Australians.”

“I look forward to working with the Claims team to deliver even more for our customers and partners, to ensure that TAL leads in the industry in claims experience and claims outcomes, and that all TAL customers feel confident we will be there to help if the unexpected happens.”

The post TAL appoints Georgina Croft as Chief Claims Officer appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Jenny Oliver has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive – Group Life & Retirement. Ms Oliver will be responsible for leading TAL’s partnerships with the superannuation community in providing market-leading life insurance solutions to superannuation fund members, and leading TAL’s work in the development of solutions that support Australians to retire with confidence.

In her current role as TAL’s Chief Claims Officer, Ms Oliver has led the transformation of TAL’s claims capabilities, building a strong claims leadership team, investing in the broader claims team skills and capabilities, amplifying strong risk and governance practices, and delivering an ambitious technology transformation program.

TAL will undertake a recruitment process to fill the vacant Chief Claims Officer role. In the interim, Ms Oliver will continue to provide executive oversight for TAL’s Claims function.

After a decade with TAL, Chief Commercial Officer – Individual Life, Tim Thorne has decided to retire from his executive career and pursue a non-executive portfolio. Mr Thorne has led the Individual Life business through a period of significant change and growth, including the acquisitions of Asteron Life and Westpac Life. Mr Thorne has brought a culture of innovation and strong customer focus to TAL during a period of significant disruption in the Australian life insurance industry.

Fiona Macgregor has been appointed as Chief Executive – Individual Life, replacing Mr Thorne.

Since joining TAL more than nine years ago, Ms Macgregor has held a number of leadership roles across innovation, customer, brand and technology. In particular, as Chief Information & Innovation Officer for the last five years, Ms Macgregor has worked deeply on strategy formulation and delivery, the acquisition and integration of Asteron Life and Westpac Life, and enabling business growth and performance through the connection of technology and business capabilities.

Under Ms Macgregor’s leadership, the Individual Life business will be focused on industry leadership in outcomes for customers, delivering value in TAL’s partnerships with financial advisers and strategic alliance partners, and providing Australians with access to high-quality life insurance solutions through their channel of choice. Ms Macgregor’s appointment will also see an emphasis on market-leading digital enablement and delivery to meet the needs and expectations of customers and partners.

Executive General Manager, Technology, Hinesh Chauhan has been promoted to the role of TAL’s Chief Information Officer, with responsibility for the company’s technology function.

Since joining TAL in 2018, Mr Chauhan has made a significant contribution to strengthening TAL’s technology function, and digital culture and capabilities. Mr Chauhan remains focused on working with TAL’s technology partners to support business operations, meet rising information and cyber security expectations, and to enhance the way TAL supports its customers and partners through both existing and new technologies, such as generative AI.

In communications to employees and partners, TAL Group CEO and Managing Director, Brett Clark on behalf of the Executive Team thanked Mr Thorne for his valuable contribution and added that the internal appointments were a testament to TAL’s commitment to fostering strong leadership and succession planning within the company.

“These leadership appointments to Group Life & Retirement, Individual Life and Technology reflect TAL’s unwavering commitment to our customers and partners and I am delighted that it has been an obvious choice to appoint these roles from within TAL, reflecting our commitment to leadership development and succession planning. I would also like to thank Tim for his valuable contributions to TAL over a decade and his leadership of the Individual Life business through a period of significant growth and change,” said Mr Clark.

The Executive Team appointments take effect immediately.

The post TAL announces Executive Team changes appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Brett Clark

Leading Australian life insurer and Official Life Insurance Partner of the AFLW, TAL, has launched the TAL Assister Program to help motivate and encourage AFLW athletes on and off the field.

The TAL Assister Program provides a visible and tangible way for fans across the country to positively engage with AFLW athletes, with fans able to submit their messages of support to their favourite players via a dedicated website. Players can then have the most powerful messages printed directly onto their strapping tape and worn for motivation.

Hawthorn Football Club AFLW Senior Coach, Bec Goddard OAM, lauded the initiative.

“The way athletes and the football community assist and support each other, on and off the field, is more important than ever. The TAL Assister Program is a positive way for fans to send personalised messages to encourage and motivate their favourite footballers,” Goddard said.

TAL’s AFLW partnership also includes sponsorship of AFLW doctors and physios and of the flexible employment initiative Workplay, powered by John Holland, to support athletes on and off the field.

Workplay addresses challenges facing many women athletes, connecting AFLW players to flexible employment, education and career opportunities. The initiative provides the tools, advice and inspiration to help players thrive at every stage of their sporting and off-field careers.

TAL Group CEO and Managing Director, Brett Clark, said the opportunity to become the Official Life Insurance Partner of the AFLW was one which provided a platform for making a meaningful difference to the league, its athletes and community of supporters.

“Our partnership with AFLW is an exceptional opportunity to amplify the positive and unifying influence of women’s sport in Australia, and we are also humbled to play a role in partnering with the AFLW to encourage and empower women in sport, both on and off the field,” Mr Clark said.

“We have created the TAL Assister Program to help deliver positive messages of support and encouragement to AFLW athletes when they are playing, and build connection between clubs and supporters.”

“As an organisation committed to supporting the health and financial wellbeing of Australians, TAL is proud to partner with AFLW to bring more opportunities to athletes,” Mr Clark said.

TAL’s three-year partnership with the AFL commenced this year, with sponsorship agreements with the AFLW, as well as with the Sydney Swans, GWS Giants and Hawthorn Hawks AFLW teams.

Watch Bec Goddard OAM speaking about the TAL Assister Program, here.

TAL is an employer partner of Workplay, powered by John Holland, with several flexible employment opportunities available to AFLW players on the platform.

To learn more about Workplay, visit www.workplay.com.au.

The post TAL launches key initiatives as part of AFLW sponsorship to support players on and off the field appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Brett Clark

The AFL is pleased to partner with leading Australian life insurer, TAL who will become the Official Life Insurance Partner of AFLW.

TAL provides life insurance products and services to more than five million customers and has been supporting Australians and their families through some of their most challenging times for over 150 years.

The three-year partnership will see TAL support the AFL’s leading careers and networking platform Workplay, whilst the TAL logo will be featured on all club doctor and physio vests throughout the AFLW Season.

TAL joins a host of valued AFL partners supporting the AFLW competition, with the announcement marking the 32nd partner to sponsor the elite women’s competition.

AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial Kylie Rogers welcomed the new partnership.

“The AFL is thrilled to have TAL join the NAB AFLW competition as our official Life Insurance Partner for the next three years,” Ms Rogers said.

“Both organisations have a long and proud history of supporting their respective communities and a strong passion to drive change for women in our industries. We’re delighted to partner with TAL to bring more opportunities to AFLW athletes and work together to help all Australians reach their potential.”

TAL Group CEO and Managing Director, Brett Clark, said, “We are delighted to be building on our ongoing support of the AFL with a new three-year partnership between TAL and AFLW, kicking off for the 2023 season.

“As an organisation committed to supporting the health and financial wellbeing of Australians, we are honoured to be the Official Life Insurance Partner of the AFLW. We wish the outstanding athletes of the AFLW success as the competition season approaches and we look forward to supporting them on and off the field.”

The post AFL partners with leading life insurer, TAL appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Hugh Humphrey

Count Limited (Count) (ASX: CUP) has successfully completed the acquisition of Affinia Financial Advisers Limited (Affinia) from TAL, a leading Australian life insurer.

The acquisition expands Count’s wealth segment market share, adding around 100 high quality client-centric financial advisers to Count’s national community. Count now represents $16.8 billion in client funds under administration. This strong growth in Count’s adviser network comes at a time when there are fewer financial advisers coupled with unprecedented demand for the skills and services offered by financial planners and accountants.

Affinia has practices across Australia, including risk specialists and holistic financial advisory firms, adding an important capability to the Count business which expects to grow its risk advice capability and revenues.

Hugh Humphrey, Chief Executive Officer at Count said it was an exciting time for the business with the Affinia acquisition following the company’s recently announced name change and compelling new value proposition.

“The Affinia acquisition positions Count as one of Australia’s leading integrated accounting and wealth services providers and a major player in the future of wealth management in Australia. This strategic acquisition follows our recent brand transformation from CountPlus to Count and signals a dynamic new phase for the company, giving clients greater certainty about our offering and providing them with the confidence to look ahead.”

TAL Group CEO and Managing Director, Brett Clark, said “Count is a leading accounting and wealth services provider which shares our passion for financial advisers and the positive difference they make to their clients and the community. We are proud of the strong business Affinia has grown to be and wish their advisers and the entire Count team success in the future. We are looking forward to working together with Count and remain committed to supporting advisers.”

The post Count adviser network grows following completion of Affinia acquisition appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Brett Clark

Leading Australian life insurer, TAL, has today entered an agreement to sell its financial advice licensee, Affinia Financial Advisers Limited (Affinia), to CountPlus Limited (CountPlus).

The best interests of Affinia practices, advisers and their clients were considered in the decision to review the future ownership of the business and enter into this agreement with CountPlus, a leading financial advice and accounting firm. Australians need and deserve greater access to affordable financial advice. CountPlus is best placed to continue to enable Affinia’s strategy, grow and support Affinia advisers and their clients.

TAL Group CEO and Managing Director, Brett Clark, said, “We are pleased to have found in CountPlus a business which shares Affinia’s commitment to financial advisers and passion for delivering high quality financial advice to its clients.

“Financial advisers have a vital role in the community through helping Australians make financial decisions and plan with confidence for the future. We remain committed to supporting and building lasting relationships with advisers and will continue to advocate for the value financial advisers deliver to their clients and community.

“We wish Affinia together with CountPlus a successful future and we look forward to an ongoing partnership with CountPlus and their advisers.”

Hugh Humphrey, Chief Executive Officer at CountPlus, said, “This strategic acquisition clearly cements CountPlus as the leading advisory firm and positions CountPlus as a major player in the future of wealth management in Australia.

“The acquisition is terrific news for CountPlus investors and continues to evidence the disciplined execution of our growth strategy. It brings the scale that we have been pursuing in Wealth, and builds on our already stable base.

“Affinia advisers have a reputation for delivering quality financial advice which makes them a natural fit for our community. They have particular strength in delivering risk advice to clients, an area of growth opportunity for CountPlus,” Mr Humphrey added.

The post TAL enters agreement for CountPlus to acquire Affinia Financial Advisers appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Brett Clark

Leading Australian life insurer, TAL, has been recognised for its ongoing commitment to workplace equality for the ninth consecutive year, named as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

The citation is awarded by the Commonwealth Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) to organisations that meet rigorous standards in workplace gender equality, including demonstrating an active commitment to best practice and leadership.

TAL Group CEO, Managing Director and WGEA Pay Equity Ambassador, Brett Clark, said: “Driving and embedding gender equality as part of our broader Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategy helps ensure all our people are treated equally, can perform their roles to the best of their ability, and have the opportunity for personal growth and development.”

“The WGEA citation is a reflection of our diverse and inclusive culture, where our people are valued for who they are. We are committed to advancing equality.”

The Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation recognises TAL’s ongoing commitment to enhancing gender equality through initiatives including:

• Commitment to pay equity and eliminating the gender pay gap – undertaking a quarterly pay gap analysis. As at December 2022, this sits at 98.6% gender pay equity.
• Actively working to achieve our target of 40% men, 40% women, 20% people of any gender in senior leadership roles by 2025 in line with best practice.
• As of January 2023, 39% of leadership roles are filled by females.
• Equal employment policies and workplace inclusion training for everyone at TAL.
• Providing flexible working options for all people at TAL.
• Maintaining a focus on gender equality through an active Gender Committee.
• Offering domestic violence leave and support for all people at TAL.
• Parental leave benefits and support for all our people, regardless of gender, including zero tenure requirements to access parental leave, continued paid superannuation for the first 12 months of parental leave, staff group insurance coverage for up to 104 weeks, and guaranteed flexible working options for the first six months after returning to work.
• Continuing our TAL Female Leaders Sponsorship Program, providing participants with tools to build and strengthen relationships with TAL leaders, and support their personal development.

The post TAL recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency for ninth year appeared first on AdviserVoice.