First State appoints head of business development

Matt Willis has left Vanguard to head business development for First State Super.

In his new role, Willis will help First State Super oversee implementation fo the fund's organic growth strategy. The fund's group executive for member growth, Peter Chun, said, "To achieve our strategic goals we need to drive organic growth with well-defined propositions for our members and employers. We need to leverage our digital capability to deliver seamless service experiences and build our brand and profile within the community. Matt's insight and leadership will be instrumental in helping us oversee our most important business relationships and support our ambitious growth targets into the future."

Willis held several roles with Vanguard during his more than 11 years with the fund, beginning as a business development manager and advancing to regional sales manager, national sales manager, and, most recently, head of institutional sales, a position he was appointed to in early 2017.

"I have always wanted to work for organisations that have clear purpose and are driven to do the right thing by investors and members", said Willis. "First State Super has been an organisation that I have long admired and I am excited to be joining a fund that is committed to delivering the best outcome to members in super, retirement and advice."

Before joining Vanguard, Willis spent time with Skandia, Goldman Sachs, and Mellon Funds Management in the UK.

Vanguard has appointed Adam Donohue to replace Willis as head of institutional for Vanguard Investments Australia.

Reporting from Kanika Sood at Financial Standard contributed to this report.