ESSSuper chief joins MLC Life

Mark Puli
MARK PULI
Emergency Services and State Super - Chief Executive
DEPARTURE
EMERGENCY SERVICES AND STATE SUPER
Date: 9 December 2021
Position: Chief Executive
By Elizabeth Fry

After 13 years at the helm of ESSSuper, Mark Puli has resigned as chief executive and will take up a new role with MLC Life Insurance.

The insurer has appointed Puli as its new chief group insurance officer replacing Sean Williamson.

"I'm thrilled to be joining MLC Life Insurance at this important time. Life insurance inside superannuation is a fundamental vehicle to deliver protection to millions of Australians, and I'm excited for the opportunity to grow our presence in the market," Puli said.

Meanwhile, the ESSSuper board has appointed David Daley as acting chief executive while the industry fund searches for Puli's replacement.

Puli has worked in financial services for more than 30 years and has held senior roles at Aviva Australia, Merrill Lynch Investment Management, and Mercer.

His background has also covered superannuation, investment platforms, funds management, strategy, mergers and acquisitions, product development, and accounting.

For his part, Daley is currently general manager of member engagement at ESSSuper.

He has more than 29 years of experience in financial services, with over 18 of those years in superannuation.

His background includes roles as a senior executive within member-based organisations.

One role saw him running the contact centre operations that supported industry superannuation funds, such as AustralianSuper, HESTA, and Cbus.

ESSSuper thanked Puli for his exceptional leadership of the fund and for all he has achieved over his term.

"Everyone at ESSSuper remains focussed on protecting the wealth and retirement dreams of our members," the fund said in a release.

"We will complete our digital transformation product in 2022 making it even easier for members to manage their super online and enabling us to concentrate on delivering exceptional member service and the best possible superannuation outcomes. We are excited about the future."