Ex-Bravura director hired to run MLC platforms

Mr Stevens will join MLC from Mercer Australia, where he is currently head of corporate superannuation. In this role he has been accountable for commercial outcomes and future strategy of products and platforms for Mercer Super Trust and Mercer Portfolio Service, and Third-Party Administration for Corporate Superannuation Funds.

Mr Stevens has spent more than three decades in the global financial services sector. Before joining Mercer in 2018 he was director of product management and strategy at Bravura, where he was responsible for delivering the long-term strategic plan, overseeing strategic and operational projects and the delivery of M&A initiatives. Prior to joining Bravura, Mr Stevens held senior roles at ING Australia and Tower Australia Limited. 

MLC Wealth CEO Geoff Lloyd said the appointment of Mr Stevens was the latest significant step in MLC’s progress toward separation from NAB Group, with eight of the 10-strong leadership team now in place.

“Darren is another highly experienced executive who will bring valued expertise at a critical time for our business,” Mr Lloyd said.

“His passion for clients, technology and the opportunities in our platforms business to better deliver for our clients will serve us well as we continue to strengthen MLC ahead of separation from NAB.

“I’m excited by the high-calibre team we are assembling and their sharp focus on delivering a leading, client-focused business built on our four business pillars of advice, platforms, asset management, and retirement and investment solutions.”

In the past three months, MLC has made a series of executive appointments. These include Andrew Morgan (chief commercial services officer), Mark Baxter (chief risk officer), Kylie Smith (chief client digital and marketing officer), Shenaz Waples (previously Khan) (chief human resources officer), Garry Mulcahy (group executive, asset management), Tim Steele (group executive, retirement and investment solutions) and Anthony Lane (chief operating officer).

Mr Stevens will commence in the role in early January.