Russell builds corporate superannuation team with key hire
Industry veteran Geoff Peck appointed as Director, Superannuation Investments
SYDNEY, 22 June, 2009 - Russell has further bolstered its corporate superannuation team in Australia with the appointment of one of Australia’s most experienced superannuation practitioners to the new role of Director,Superannuation Investments.
Former BT Financial veteran Geoff Peck joins Russell today, bringing more than 20 years’ experience in the investment and superannuation sector. Known as one of the super industry’s more innovative thinkers, Mr Peck spent 12 years at BT Financial Group where he was most recently BT’s Head of Superannuation Solutions. In this role Mr Peck oversaw the team responsible for providing superannuation solutions for all of BT and Westpac’s superannuation and retirement products (excluding the BT Wrap platform). Other roles at BT included Head of Product and Director, Corporate Superannuation Distribution.
Since March 2007 Mr Peck has presided as Non-Executive Director for the American International Assurance Company, part of the AIG Group and one of the largest group insurers in Australia.
Russell’s Australian corporate superannuation business provides a comprehensive array of services to Australian superannuation funds ranging from consulting advice to complete outsourcing solutions including member administration, implemented investment services and the Russell SuperSolution Master Trust.
Mr Peck will be working within the corporate superannuation team to further drive innovation within Russell’s traditional investment and other superannuation services. Together with Russell’s Director, Superannuation Investments Glenn Smith, Mr Peck will be responsible for the development and implementation of Russell’s Australian Client Portfolio Management service – a new range of services for Russell’s larger investment clients which will seek to implement strategic tilting across client portfolios and employ more sophisticated portfolio rebalancing activities. The service will also deliver new ways for clients to access alternative assets.
Linda Elkins, Managing Director of Russell's Superannuation Business, said she was delighted to welcome a colleague of Mr Peck’s standing to the Russell Super team.
“Geoff is well-known within the superannuation industry as an innovative thinker and an enthusiastic advocate for clients. He brings sound knowledge across a broad range of fields including investments, risk management, product management, member services and financial advice and we are confident that his strong knowledge across the spectrum of superannuation will add great value to our clients as well as to the team here at Russell,” Ms Elkins said.
She said Russell was committed to securing a leadership position in each of its key business areas.
“Geoff’s personal passion combined with his vast industry experience will add a new and exciting perspective to Russell’s superannuation business,” she added.
Commenting on his new role, Mr Peck said: “In the variety of roles I have held over the years the thing that has remained consistent is my focus on client outcomes. Russell is already well placed to deliver in this space and I am looking forward to developing and refining the service we offer to clients as this is what I am most passionate about.”
In addition to his impressive industry background, Mr Peck has written a book to give every day Australians a better understanding of how to manage their superannuation in the wake of the global financial crisis. Titled Salvage your Super, the book will be available from July 2009 and aims to help people get their super back on track and to develop realistic goals and strategies for meeting their retirement needs.
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