Mercer names head of super

Australian Unity's Tim Barber has been appointed head of Mercer Super, leading Mercer Super Trust and related portfolio services business.

Mercer CEO David Bryant said that Barber's appointment will help cement Mercer's reputation as a high-value superannuation provider. "Tim brings to Mercer a strong consumer background, having worked with retail businesses to help clients and members achieve the best outcomes possible. This perspective is invaluable to our corporate clients and our 240,000 plus members.

"Under Tim's new leadership we'll better engage, retain and grow our membership. While we've recently announced a range of improvements to our pricing and products, Tim will be responsible for leading our ongoing work to ensure Mercer delivers sustainable and competitive value to our clients and members," said Bryant.

Barber has been the CEO for Australian Unity Bank for the last four years and was previously the COO and CFO for the organisation's wealth business. He's also been a partner at EY, focusing on financial services. "It's an exciting time for our superannuation business," said Barber. "Globally, we've recently reached $321.4 billion USD in assets under management giving members enormous advantage when it comes to scale and investment performance.

"Locally, our sector is being continuously challenged, and we have the brightest minds in the industry to embrace the changes while keeping our focus on what we do best - growing retirement outcomes for our clients and their members."

Barber says it was Mercer's purpose-driven approach and best-in-class research capabilities that attracted him to the role. "We have a great business at Mercer, and I look forward to collaborating with all our teams to bring more of Mercer to our clients as a valued partner to their businesses."

Mercer Super's acting head, Mark Thompson, will report to Barber and work in a new partnerships and commercial opportunities role.