AMP today announces the appointment of Scott Hartley as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AMP Australia, effective 11 January 2021.

Mr Hartley, who was CEO of Sunsuper from 2014-19, will take over from Blair Vernon, who was the Acting CEO of AMP Australia, while an executive search was conducted. Mr Vernon will return to his previous role as CEO of AMP’s New Zealand Wealth Management business, as planned.

Mr Hartley will report to AMP CEO Francesco De Ferrari and lead the strategic transformation of AMP Australia already in-flight across the business’ financial advice, superannuation and platforms, and AMP Bank operations.

Mr Hartley brings the valued experience of leading the transformation of Sunsuper’s culture, technology, investment, and multi-channel growth capabilities. This transformation enabled Sunsuper to grow its market share to become Australia’s fourth largest^[1] superannuation and retirement business, a highly regarded industry leader, and most importantly to deliver leading customer outcomes and experience.

Prior to Sunsuper, Mr Hartley led the corporate and institutional wealth business at MLC/NAB Wealth leading three businesses to market leading positions and significantly growing the company’s share of corporate superannuation.

Mr Hartley and Mr Vernon will work together as part of AMP’s executive committee.

AMP Chief Executive Francesco De Ferrari commented:

“Scott has an excellent track record in transforming and growing wealth and investment businesses in Australia, and we’re delighted to welcome him to AMP. At Sunsuper he developed a collaborative and inclusive culture that drove the outstanding performance of the organisation. His appointment will strengthen our executive team as we drive forward our transformation of the business.

“Scott will build on the high-quality work that Blair Vernon has performed in his four months as Acting CEO. Blair stepped into the role at short notice and has been decisive in keeping our transformation activity moving and managing the complex legacy issues of the business. He has earned tremendous respect within AMP Australia and will remain a key member of my leadership team.”

Incoming AMP Australia CEO, Scott Hartley commented:

“I’m excited to be joining AMP at a pivotal time for the company. The business is in the midst of a transformation, to which I can bring my experience and capability. AMP has played an important role in the lives of many Australians for over 170 years and I look forward to working with and developing the entire AMP Australia team to fulfill AMP’s purpose of helping its clients realise their ambitions.”

Scott Hartley biography

Scott Hartley has more than 25 years’ experience in executive management roles including 20 years in the wealth management industry.

Most recently, Mr Hartley was the CEO of Sunsuper. Under his leadership from 2014 to 2019, Sunsuper grew to become the fourth largest by number of clients and the fastest growing “Top 10” superannuation and retirement business. Strong organic growth of the business was also supplemented by two successful mergers with Kinetic Super (A$4 billion and 250,000 members) and Austsafe Super (A$2.7 billion and 100,000 members).

Prior to Sunsuper, Mr Hartley was the Executive General Manager of Corporate and Institutional Wealth at NAB Wealth from 2009 to 2013, including leading subsidiaries Plum Financial Services and Jana Investment Advisors.

Mr Hartley holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Queensland University of Technology.

^[1] Measured by customer numbers