Novigi expands leadership team with cloud and machine learning experts

Novigi has appointed two new principal consultants, Dr Charlotte Marra and Dr Martin Roberts, specialising in cloud and machine learning technology, which it said would reinforce the company’s focus on advancing its data management platforms and propositions in these areas.

The firm has also appointed Anita Owens as executive general manager of consulting, professional services effective 3 June 2024.

Marra brings almost 20 years of experience within financial services to her new role and was most recently a partner at Deloitte Consulting working with ASX-listed clients to enhance their use of cloud technologies. She has also held senior roles at Google and IBM working with clients to improve their use of technologies.

Prior to his role at Novigi, Roberts was the chief data scientist at Predico Software and principal data scientist at NEOM Energy & Water before that and brings more than 25 years of experience in the analytics space.

Meanwhile, Owens joins Novigi’s team from KPMG where she held the position of transformation delivery, director. Prior to this, she was the program manager, sustainable cost/cost reduction at MLC Life Insurance, and has spent almost 20 years in financial services.

Novigi chief executive Ash Priest noted the significance of these appointments for advancing the company’s client offerings, while further enriching the diversity of its leadership team.

“As we scale to meet the data and technology demands of the financial services sector, particularly within Australia’s $3.9 trillion superannuation industry, it is important that we assemble the right team,” Priest said.

“We are excited to welcome these three individuals as a reflection of our commitment to pairing market-leading data and technology products and propositions with deep industry expertise.

"Anita and Charlotte’s appointments also reflect our commitment to enhancing female leadership diversity as a key part of our business strategy. We are firm in our belief that broad representation at all levels is a key driver of commercial success, and this includes building a balanced and inclusive leadership team.”

The appointments follow Novigi’s acquisition of QMV Solutions earlier this year, which included its data quality software, Investigate DQ. Novigi said this acquisition signalled a “critical next phase of growth for the company as a combined entity”.

“From inception in 2016, we’ve experienced significant growth, keeping pace with the industry’s evolving needs, especially in technical capabilities. As AI, machine learning, and cloud computing become more crucial in wealth management, we’re excited to help our clients maximise value from these advancements while continually enhancing our own capabilities,” Priest said.