MLC Life board undergoes ‘renewal’ plans

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

5 December 2022

The Board of MLC Life Insurance has announced the appointment of Catherine Dubé as an Independent Non-Executive Director and incoming Chair of the Board Audit Committee, as Sandra Birkensleigh exits after 10 years.

As part of “planned Board renewal”, Dubé will assume the role from 16 December and brings over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry having held several Non-Executive Director roles.

She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Guild Group Audit and Risk Committees of Guild Group Holding and Guild Insurance Limited, a Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair for AssetInsure, a Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair for Challenger Retirement and Investment Services, and is also a member of the ACT Public Trustee and Guardian Investment Board.

“I’m delighted to welcome Catherine to MLCL Board,” MLC Life Insurance Chairman, Peter Grey, said.

“Catherine is an experienced Non-Executive Director, with a proven record in delivering sustainable business growth, managing risk and regulatory complexity and motivating organisations to deliver in a competitive landscape. Her understanding of the issues impacting our sector will be important as we execute the next phase of MLCL’s business strategy.

“I want to thank Sandra for her many years of service to the MLCL Board. She has played an instrumental role in guiding our business through significant change, including the acquisition of MLCL by Nippon Life and the transformation required to become a standalone life insurer.

“Sandra leaves MLCL well placed for future success.”

Dubé, who also spent seven years at AIG as Chief Risk Officer between 2012 and 2019, said she was pleased to be taking on the new role at MLC Life Insurance.

“I’m very much looking forward to joining MLCL and making a genuine contribution to the Board and the organisation as MLCL seeks to achieve its ambition of becoming Australia’s leading and most trusted life insurer,” she said.