MLC Life Insurance has cemented its focus on the group insurance market by appointing an experienced industry veteran to lead its new business team.

Peter Smith joins MLC Life as Head of Business Development, bringing extensive experience in leadership and business development, having previously worked in leadership roles with companies such as Resolution Life, Munich Re, Lockton and MetLife.

In previous roles, Peter has played a senior leadership role in delivering insurance solutions for funds like Hostplus, Cbus, Rest and First Super, with a strong focus on partner delivery and the total member experience.

He will be instrumental in growing the business’s group insurance distribution and executing a new business development strategy focused on the integration of a new group insurance digital capability to help super funds transform the insurance journey for their members.

“Following a period of stabilisation, we’re excited to return to focus on sustainably managing risk and growth across the business, particularly in the group insurance space,” Kent Griffin, MLC Life Insurance Chief Executive Officer said. “Peter is a key appointment to our team and shows how focused we are on demonstrating how our total customer experience benefits both trustees and superannuation fund members.”

“MLC Life has gone through a period of massive transformation,” Mark Puli, MLC Life Insurance Chief Group Officer said, “and Peter’s significant experience and outstanding commercial mindset will position us well as we continue to build a highly skilled team and offer a competitive advantage to our partners and their members.”

“Our ability to deliver an excellent member experience, including through digital integration, helps us meet and exceed the expectations of members, and Peter will help us make that case to our current and prospective partners.”

Speaking about his appointment, Peter Smith said, “As part of the global Nippon Life Group, few are better placed to understand member needs and the ethos of Australia’s industry super funds than MLC Life Insurance as the only true mutual in life insurance, and I’m looking forward to making that case to trustees.”