Vernon reinforces AMP growth agenda as CEO

Mike Taylor

Managing Editor and Publisher

13 April 2026

AMP’s new chief executive, Blair Vernon has reinforced the degree to which the company will remain focused on building its platforms business and attracting use of its platform by independent financial advisers.

Addressing AMP’s annual general meeting for the first time as CEO, Vernon emphasised that his agenda is one focused on growth, noting that he was building from the strengthened position achieved by his predecessor, Alexis George.

“Our focus will be on driving organic growth in our wealth businesses,” he said. “We’ll do this through a relentless focus on customer acquisition and retention, and importantly, by growing and deepening our adviser partnerships.”

He said that as a second priority, AMP would look to maximise the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), noting that no business could afford to sit on the sidelines.

“AI has been part of our business for nearly three years, and we need to continue to move fast to meet the accelerating pace of change,” Vernon said.

The new CEO reflected his previous role as AMP CFO when he said the company would be retaining a short focus on capital allocation and organisational efficiency.

“We’re committed to the efficient use of capital and facilitating a return of capital to shareholders, in the absence of more compelling opportunities to add capability, as opposed to scale,” Vernon said.

He said that had begun with AMP’s recently announced $150 million buyback.