BT Financial Group has labelled its appointment of Melinda Howes as new general manager of superannuation as a "coup”, after poaching the “superannuation expert” from AMP.
Ms Howes was previously director for product, strategy and services at AMP and before that, she was the chief executive of the Actuaries Institute.
She also held a number of senior superannuation roles at BT between 1993 and 2004.
BT chief executive Brad Cooper said Ms Howes' experience would provide "significant benefits" for BT's superannuation customers.
“Melinda’s actuarial, solution and leadership skills, combined with BT’s existing product expertise in insurance and superannuation, will help us solve more savings and risk issues for our customers,” Mr Cooper said.
“Across the Westpac Group brands we have eight million Australians who have a MySuper product with another provider.
"However, more and more of these customers are recognising the advantages of switching their superannuation and investment choices to BT Financial Group where we are able to provide them with the best product solution and the best service, which is focused on their needs," he said.
“Melinda will bring even more focus to our product and service offering with her understanding of superannuation generally, which is what Australians are looking for and what is important to them.
“When Australians are introduced to superannuation at their place of work we are determined to ensure BT is the preferred provider, whether their employer provides superannuation as part of a corporate superannuation plan or as part of an award agreement. Melinda will work with BT’s core capabilities to build compelling superannuation products for those employers and employees," Mr Cooper said.
“BT Super for Life is fully portable from one employer to another, meaning there is no reason [why] any Australian worker needs multiple superannuation funds.
“Melinda Howes’ appointment will ensure a continued intense customer focus across the BT Superannuation business and a market leading understanding of the ongoing needs of our customers,” he said.
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