NAB Group Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Thorburn, today announced that Matthew Lawrance has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of MLC Super.
“Matt is an experienced banking and wealth executive and an outstanding leader,” Mr Thorburn said.
“I am pleased to appoint Matt to this role and know that his customer focus and deep experience leading complex businesses set him up well to lead MLC Super.”
Mr Lawrance has been acting in the role of NAB’s Chief Technology and Operations Officer for the past seven months.
Previously, Mr Lawrance was Executive General Manager, NAB Wealth Operations and Transformation and delivered much of MLC’s transformation work in 2016.
“Matt’s role will be to continue to elevate MLC Super in the Australian marketplace and to advocate for our customers and their retirement,” Mr Thorburn said.
Mr Lawrance said he was optimistic about the future of MLC Super in helping Australians plan for retirement.
“We know that too many Australians don’t understand their super and don’t feel confident that they can reach their financial goals,” Mr Lawrance said.
“I believe that the role of Australia’s largest retail super fund goes beyond just managing investments for Australians. We also have an important role to help customers to get the right help, guidance and advice so they can plan and reach their financial goals.”
The latest MLC Wealth Sentiment Survey, released in December 2016, showed that only one in two Australians believe they’re doing enough to reach their wealth goals, but a financial plan will boost their confidence to get on track.
Mr Lawrance said MLC Super was proud of the ongoing role it plays in helping Australians plan for retirement.
Mr Lawrance will be responsible for NAB’s superannuation and investment businesses and will represent NAB on the Financial Services Council.
Mr Lawrance will commence as CEO, MLC Super in May 2017.
Matthew Lawrance – Biography
Mr Lawrance joined NAB in 2005, and during this time has occupied senior roles leading large operational and transformational teams across the Wealth, Finance and the Australian banking businesses.
Mr Lawrance has been acting in the role of NAB’s Chief Technology and Operations Officer for the past seven months. Previously, Mr Lawrance was Executive General Manager, NAB Wealth Operations & Transformation where his responsibilities included customer servicing and transactions, digital, contact centres, management assurance, business management, technology and transformation for the NAB’s wealth businesses.
While Executive General Manager, NAB Wealth Operations & Transformation, Mr Lawrance delivered the transformation of NAB’s wealth businesses, including the streamlining of its superannuation business, which included merging five of its super funds into one – and creating Australia’s largest retail super fund. The MLC Super Fund holds more than $70 billion in Funds Under Management. The fund includes NAB’s two main super offerings, being the MLC MasterKey and Plum superannuation and pension offering.
Prior to NAB, Mr Lawrance occupied senior Finance and Transformation roles at Woolworths (2002-2005) and Qantas (1996-2001), after having started his career as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young.
Mr Lawrance has a diverse range of skills and commercial experience, having successfully led and transformed businesses in the professional services, airline, retail and financial services industries in CFO and COO level roles. Mr Lawrance has occupied Board positions of subsidiary entities at both Qantas and NAB Wealth.
Qualifications: B.Com (Accounting), Chartered Accountant, MBA (Executive- AGSM)
