Sydney-based financial services firm AMP Limited, the largest fund management and life insurance business in Australia, announced last week that it has appointed Scott Hartley the new Chief Executive Officer of AMP Australia, effective January 11, 2021.

Hartley has two decades' experience in the wealth management industry, most recently as CEO of superannuation fund Sunsuper, a position he held for five years. Prior to that, he led the corporate and institutional wealth business at MLC/NAB Wealth, and also held leadership positions at National Australia Bank. In his new role, he will be expected to continue the ongoing overhaul of AMP Australia's wealth management businesses, following a three-year strategic plan that had been launched in 2019.

Hartley said of his new role: “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.”

AMP Chief Executive Francesco De Ferrari said: “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.”

Hartley will take over from Acting CEO Blair Vernon, whose primary role is CEO of AMP's New Zealand wealth management business. Vernon has been filling in since August, when former CEO Alex Wade departed under a cloud of sexual harassment allegations, and will return to heading the New Zealand business in January.