BT appoints new head of strategy

A former Allianz Retire+ executive has joined BT as the new head of strategy.

Simon Aboud joined the wealth manager on June 1. Late last year, Aboud left Allianz Retire+ as its chief product and marketing officer, a role he assumed in May 2021.

Prior to Allianz Retire+ he was in senior marketing roles at Certane, FIIG Securities, Macquarie Group and Westpac.

Annabelle Kline, chief product officer at BT, commented: "We're pleased to welcome Simon to BT at an important point for the business. With the Asgard migration successfully behind us, we have strong momentum as we move into our next phase of growth."

Kline added Aboud will play an important role as BT positions for "significant shifts we're seeing in the market - from increasingly complex retirement needs through to the growing role platforms can play for advisers and their clients."

"Simon brings deep experience across wealth management and product strategy which will be critical as we strengthen how we support advisers and quality financial advice to thrive, with better outcomes for clients," she said.

Among the changes at Allianz Retire+ last year, David Kane, who was chief operating officer for more than four years, was prompted as chief executive permanently.

Catherine van der Veen and Lucy Foster were appointed as chief distribution and marketing officers in a co-sharing capacity.

Sungwoo Park was named chief financial officer and Maria Fink was appointed as head of business management for life protection.

Current BT chief executive Matt Rady, who has been in the role for more than four years, previously was the chief of Allianz Retire+ between June 2018 and October 2021.

Rady is also the vice chair of Breakthrough T1D Australia, a research, advocacy, and community support organisation.