Claire Ross appointed CEO of Mercer Super 

Tim Barber to assume new Pacific-wide SME-focused leadership role at Marsh McLennan

Melbourne, 3 September 2024 – Mercer, a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC) and a global leader in helping clients realise their investment objectives, shape the future of work and enhance health and retirement outcomes for their people, today announced the appointment of Claire Ross as CEO of Mercer Super, effective 1 October.

Ms. Ross, who is currently Mercer Super’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), brings over 30 years’ experience in operational management and administration services leadership to the role. Since joining Mercer in 2007, she has held a succession of senior leadership roles with a focus on transformational change and brings deep expertise in superannuation and pensions globally. She will continue to be based in Melbourne and will report to Cathy Hales, Mercer’s Pacific Wealth CEO.

Current Mercer Super CEO Tim Barber will take up a newly created leadership role across Marsh McLennan to develop and implement growth strategies for the key small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in the Pacific Region. He will continue to be based in Melbourne and report to Marcus Pearson, Marsh McLennan’s Pacific Chief Commercial Officer. As CEO, Mr. Barber successfully oversaw the merger of BT Super into the Mercer Super Trust, delivering a competitive and compelling proposition to its 950,000 members. 

Commenting on the announcement, Ms. Hales said: “These appointments demonstrate the deep bench of talent we have within Mercer. With a strong track record of operational effectiveness, Claire’s passion for delivering positive outcomes for members to and through retirement will enable Mercer Super to be strategically positioned for the future.”

On her appointment, Ms. Ross said: “Mercer Super is ideally placed in the market to harness our local knowledge and global scale, delivering value for money and strong investment outcomes for members. I feel incredibly proud and privileged to lead the Mercer Super business in Australia. Since I started my career, I have always been passionate about delivering exceptional member service and transforming how we raise the bar at every opportunity for our clients and members. 

Jim Minto, Chair of MSAL, added: “I am delighted to appoint Claire to her new role and thank Tim for his leadership of Mercer Super through a period of tremendous growth and transformation. I am confident that Claire will continue the relentless focus on delivering great member outcomes and the strong evolution of the business.”