Acenda hires from Hostplus

Acenda has appointed Lee Sammartino to the new role of general manager of superannuation partnerships, a key role in its drive for growth in group insurance.

Sammartino, who began this week, brings nearly 30 years of experience in financial services, including superannuation, banking, and business development.

He has held leadership positions at ME Bank, LUCRF Super, Legal Super, and Cbus, and most recently served as the head of new business and acquisition at Hostplus.

Before joining Hostplus, Sammartino had a three-year stint at Rice Warner (now Deloitte) as a principal overseeing corporate growth.

He was an inaugural member of the Industry Super Australia joint marketing campaign steering committee, a position he held for over six years.

According to Acenda's chief group insurance officer, Mark Puli, Sammartino will focus on enhancing Acenda's existing partnerships and exploring new growth opportunities within the superannuation sector.

"We are excited to welcome Lee on board, which demonstrates our commitment to supporting the superannuation industry and its members," he said.

"Lee's extensive knowledge of financial services, particularly in superannuation, along with his passion for member-centricity, has established him as a trusted leader in the industry."

Acenda is set to welcome a group chief executive, as Kent Griffin and Tim Tez announce their departures.

Former Westpac executive Chris de Bruin has been appointed chief executive, subject to regulatory approvals of the merger between Acenda and Resolution Life Australia, which is expected to be finalised in the second half of the year.

Griffin and Tez, who currently head up Acenda and Resolution Life, respectively, will remain with the company for a period to support de Bruin during the transition.