Mercer Super reorganises leadership, chief executive changes roles

Mercer Super chief executive Tim Barber will take on a new leadership position at Marsh McLennan; Claire Ross will step up as his successor.

In his new role, Barber will "develop and implement growth strategies" for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Pacific region.

He will continue to report to Marsh McLennan Pacific chief commercial officer Marcus Pearson and remain based in Melbourne.

Mercer Superannuation chair Jim Minto thanked Barber for his leadership of Mercer Super through a "period of tremendous growth and transformation."

Current Mercer Super chief operating officer Clair Ross will take over the top job at the retail super fund, effective October 1.

Ross brings over 30 years' experience in operational management and administration services leadership to the role.

She joined Mercer in 2007 and has since held a succession of senior leadership roles with a focus on "transformational change."

She will report to Mercer Pacific Wealth chief executive Cathy Hales, who joined the firm last year and will also continue to be based in Melbourne.

Hales, who oversees the Mercer Super Trust, the firm's multi-manager and investment solutions business, and its superannuation services arm, said the appointments are demonstrable of a deep bench of talent.

Hales said Ross has a "strong track record of operational effectiveness," and that her passion for delivering positive outcomes for members, both to and through retirement, will enable Mercer Super to be "strategically positioned for the future."

Meanwhile, Ross said Mercer Super is ideally placed in the market to harness its local knowledge and global scale, delivering "value for money" and "strong investment outcomes for members."

"I feel incredibly proud and privileged to lead the Mercer Super business in Australia," she said.

"Since I started my career, I have always been passionate about delivering exceptional member service and transforming how we raise the bar at every opportunity for our clients and members."