BT Financial Group scores superannuation appointment coup

2 min read

BT Financial Group today announced the appointment of Melinda Howes, one of the financial services industry’s most recognised superannuation experts, as its new General Manager of Superannuation.

From 1993 until 2004 Melinda held a number of senior superannuation roles with BT Financial Group.

Since then she has held roles including Chief Executive Officer with the Actuaries Institute and Director of Policy and Industry Practice with the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia.

Melinda joins BT Financial Group from AMP where she was Director, Product, Strategy and Services.

BT Financial Group Chief Executive Officer, Brad Cooper, said Melinda Howes’ experience would provide significant benefits for BT’s superannuation customers.

“Melinda’s actuarial, solution and leadership skills, combined with BT’s existing product expertise in insurance and superannuation will help us solve more savings and risk issues for our customers,” Mr Cooper said.

“Across the Westpac Group brands we have eight million Australians who have a MySuper product with another provider. However, more and more of these customers are recognising the advantages of switching their superannuation and investment choices to BT Financial Group where we are able to provide them with the best product solution and the best service, which is focused on their needs.

“Melinda will bring even more focus to our product and service offering, with her understanding of superannuation generally which is what Australians are looking for and what is important to them.”

Mr Cooper said having Westpac bank customers switch their MySuper superannuation account to BT is a priority. He said he recognised the need to be the best MySuper provider at Australian’s place of work and this would now be a simpler prospect as Melinda’s understanding of workplace superannuation was second to none.

“When Australians are introduced to superannuation at their place of work we are determined to ensure BT is the preferred provider, whether their employer provides superannuation as part of a corporate superannuation plan or as part of an award agreement. Melinda will work with BT’s core capabilities to build compelling superannuation products for those employers and employees.    

“BT Super for Life is fully portable from one employer to another meaning there is no reason that any Australian worker needs multiple superannuation funds.    

“Melinda Howes’ appointment will ensure a continued intense customer focus across the BT Superannuation business and a market leading understanding of the ongoing needs of our customers.”

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