MLC Life bolsters distribution team

MLC Life Insurance has made two key hires to its retail distribution team as part of its strategy to increase support to financial advisers.

Justine Marquet has been seconded to the role of senior manager of retail distribution strategy, enablement, and capability.

Marquet, who has had 25 years' experience in the life industry, is currently the insurer's head of product technical services and regulatory change.

Before joining MLC Life, she worked at AIA Australia, AMP Financial Advice Network, and AXA in education and technical support services for advisers.

She has also headed up professional development at Kaplan for six years to 2007 following a year at BT Financial Group.

Also, Lee Cheesman has been appointed head of retail distribution governance and key accounts.

Cheesman first joined MLC Wealth 20 years ago and has had a variety of advice and senior leadership roles.

Most recently, he led MLC Life's advice licensee partnership program.

MLC Life's general manager of retail distribution partnerships Michael Downey said both Cheesman and Marquet were highly qualified and experienced insurance industry professionals with a passion for improving the insurer's partnerships with advisers and licensees.

"Their expertise will be important in supporting our strategic direction and to deliver on the promises we make to our customers and business partners."

The new appointments follow the launch of MLC Life's new income protection products - Income Assure and Income Assure+.