Australian Unity hires Vanguard exec

Australian Unity has recruited former Vanguard executive to run its wealth and capital markets platform.

As executive general manager of operations, Michael McGavigan will focus on enhancing investor experience and delivering shared operational capabilities across the centralised platform.

He joined from Vanguard where he was the global head of investment management solution delivery.

Before his 13 years at Vanguard, McGavigan held other senior roles at National Australia Bank and Perpetual.

The wellbeing firm's chief executive of wealth and capital markets Esther Kerr-Smith said McGavigan's extensive product management and service delivery experience across the sector will be an invaluable asset to the platform.

"Michael joins us during an exciting time for Australian Unity and wealth & capital markets as we implement our long-term growth strategy," she said.

"His exceptional track record leading large scale transformational business and technology programs will help us embed a culture of innovation across our platform-enabling us to continue improving the delivery of critical services to support our strategic ambitions."

The appointment follows changes to wealth & capital markets announced in September 2022, which included the establishment of a dedicated social infrastructure business and centralisation of the platform's funds management business.