TAL snags AIA talent for senior roles

TAL has appointed John Archer as senior manager for investment strategy and portfolio management, joining from a lead role at AIA.

Archer started at the firm in March and previously spent two years at AIA Australia where he was head of investment strategy.

Prior to this, he spent 17 years at CommInsure as executive manager for investment strategy, including introducing private credit and designed liability-driven investments for its annuity and capital guaranteed portfolios.

TAL confirmed the appointment to ifa’s sister brand Money Management but did not provide any further details.

In February, the firm appointed two experienced financial services professionals to its board, including a new chair for the business.

David Cohen has been appointed as chair to replace Mark Joiner, who stood down in late 2024. He will join the board on 1 April and take up the chair position on 8 May.

Cohen was formerly deputy chief executive at Commonwealth Bank, where he spent 16 years, and also worked as general counsel at AMP. As well as his TAL board role, he is currently also an independent non-executive director at Westpac.

Second, Annette King has joined the board as an independent non-executive director.

She was previously a non-executive director at MLC Super, Swiss Re, and FNZ Group and the former CEO of Manulife in Singapore. She also spent eight years at insurer AXA in a variety of roles.