MLC Life Insurance has made two appointments to its retail distribution team as it focuses on “…providing stronger partnership support to licensees and advisers.”
A statement from the insurer says that Michael Downey, General Manager of Retail Distribution Partnerships, has expanded his leadership team with several recent appointments including Lee Cheesman as Head of Retail Distribution Governance & Key Accounts and Justine Marquet as Senior Manager Retail Distribution Strategy, Enablement & Capability (secondment).
The statement says that Cheesman has worked in the industry for more than 30 years and has a strong background in distribution, sales, account management, advice, compliance, risk management and operations.
He began his career as a financial adviser in the UK and since 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.
The company says that Marquet 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 the company she held senior leadership roles at both AIA Australia and AXA in education and technical support services for advisers. Before that, she was Head of Professional Development at Kaplan.
The statement adds that the new appointments follow the launch of the insurer’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,” it says.
Downey states he’s delighted that both Cheesman and Marquet are joining the team.
“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,” he says.
