Mercer appoints CEO, Wealth Pacific, to accelerate growth agenda 

Australia,  24 July, 2023 – Mercer, a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC) and a global leader in redefining the world of work, reshaping retirement and investment outcomes, and unlocking real health and well-being today announced the appointment of industry veteran, Cathy Hales to the newly-created role of CEO, Wealth Pacific.

Ms Hales will have leadership of Mercer’s wealth portfolio in Australia and New Zealand, comprising the Mercer Super Trust - one of Australia’s 15 largest superannuation funds with approximately A$63 billion¹ in assets under management, the firm’s multi-manager and investment solutions business, and Mercer’s superannuation services arm which provides superannuation administration and financial advice to clients.

Commenting on the appointment, CEO Marsh McLennan Pacific and President, Mercer Pacific David Bryant said: “Helping our clients reshape investment and retirement outcomes is the core of what we do at Mercer, and we have made significant inroads in expanding our capability in this space over the past two years. Cathy has the vision and experience needed to advise our clients in an ever-changing market and drive Mercer’s strong investments and retirement growth agenda in the Pacific region.”

Ms Hales brings 30 years’ financial services experience, working across early stage and established multinational businesses in Australia, the US and Europe. During her career, she led Challenger’s Fidante Partners business to become one of Australia’s largest multi-boutique investment platforms. Prior, Ms Hales was Managing Director and Global COO Client Relations and Marketing at RREEF (New York), Deutsche Bank’s global alternative asset management operation. She commenced with Mercer on 24 July 2023 and is based in Sydney, Australia.

^{1 Based on assets under management data as at 31 March 2023 for BT Super and the Mercer Super Trust, shown on a combined basis.}