Insignia appoints exec novice to top tech post

Insignia Financial has promoted former General Manager, Wrap Technology and Operations, Damien O’Donnell, to the role of Chief Technology Officer, his first-ever executive position.

The firm confirmed the appointment follows in the wake of the major organisational re-shuffle that occurred mid-last year, with O’Donnell now taking over the role from acting Chief Technology Officer, Frank Lombardo.

Insignia chief executive, Scott Hartley, highlighted O’Donnell’s 25 years of experience in IT and financial services as crucial to the new role, given he has also spent 17 years with the firm and brings strong expertise to implementing its FY2030 strategy.

“I’m excited to welcome Damien to the Insignia Financial executive team, in his first executive role. Most recently Damien served as the General Manager, Wrap Technology and Operations where he led the build out of our proprietary technology and the operational teams supporting Insignia’s Wrap business,” he said.

“Damien’s appointment is a testament to the calibre of people we have within Insignia Financial, and our commitment to fostering and developing leaders across the business to support our ambition to be the leading and most efficient wealth management company by 2030.”

Hartley also thanked the outgoing Lombardo for his efforts in the role.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank Frank Lombardo, who has been acting in the Chief Technology Officer role, for his outstanding contribution to our business for nearly a decade. While acting in the role over the last six months, he’s overseen the completion of our NAB separation and supported the transition to our new operating model.”

O’Donnell commenced in the role as of 6 January, joining the other members of Insignia Financial’s executive team, including:

• Scott Hartley – CEO Insignia Financial
• Adrianna Bisogni – Group Company Secretary
• David Chalmers – Chief Financial Officer
• Lawrence Hastings – Chief Legal Officer
• Renee Howie – Chief Customer Officer
• Liz McCarthy – CEO MLC Expand
• Garry Mulcahy – CEO MLC Asset Management
• Anvij Saxena – Chief Risk Officer
• Jason Sommer – Chief Operating Officer
• Mel Walls – Chief People Officer
• Dave Woodall – CEO Superannuation