Mercer names new wealth chief

Mercer has appointed industry veteran Cathy Hales to the newly created role of chief executive of wealth for the Pacific as it looks to grow its investment and superannuation business.

Reporting to the Mercer president of the Pacific, David Bryant, Hales will lead Mercer's wealth portfolio in Australia and New Zealand.

The portfolio comprises the Mercer Super Trust with around $63 billion in assets under management, its multi-manager and investment solutions business, and the superannuation services arm.

Hales brings 30 years of financial services experience, working 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.

Hales joined Challenger from RREEF, Deutsche Bank's global alternative asset manager operation, where she was the chief operating officer for client relations.

Aside from Deutsche, she has worked with other wealth managers, including  Colonial First State and BT Financial Group.

Commenting on the appointment, Bryant -  who also heads up Marsh McLennan Pacific - said helping clients reshape investment and retirement outcomes is core to Mercer's business.

"We have made significant inroads in expanding our capability in that space over the past two years," he said.

"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."