Paul Giles has commenced in the role, joining Mercer at a partner level from Link Group, where he was general manager of legislation and regulatory reform.
Mr Giles holds more than 20 years of experience across financial services, peak bodies, professional services and government.
He has previously worked in government for senators Arthur Sinodinos and Amanda Vanstone, and for the Insurance Council of Australia as general manager of government and stakeholder relations.
Mercer’s client management leader for industry and public sector Jo-Anne Bloch said clients would benefit from the mix of superannuation, policy, government and leadership expertise that Mr Giles brings.
“The superannuation sector is experiencing a time of significant change, with a raft of regulatory and legislative changes underway including Protecting Your Super and BEAR. Now more than ever, we have a much more impactful role to play as a partner to trustees,” Ms Bloch said.
“Paul’s strong knowledge of the issues faced by industry and public sector funds, as well as his expertise at a policy and regulatory level, will help clients cut through the complexity to best serve their members.”
Mr Giles said funds were facing a range of challenging external factors but were in a strong position to deliver greater outcomes for members.
“In the midst of regulatory reforms and more intense scrutiny, public sector and industry funds are experiencing growth, with their focus on profit for members setting them apart,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to helping trustees provide more value to members, particularly as people become more discerning when it comes to the member experience and increasingly engaged in how their retirement savings are invested.”
Mr Giles is based in Sydney.
Mercer has also recently hired a new investment strategy leader for its Pacific portfolio management senior leadership team.
Sarah Simpkins
Sarah Simpkins is a journalist at Momentum Media, reporting primarily on banking, financial services and wealth.
Prior to joining the team in 2018, Sarah worked in trade media and produced stories for a current affairs program on community radio.
You can contact her on [email protected].
