MLC Life Insurance has appointed Mirella Robinson as its inaugural chief technology officer (CTO).

Robinson joins MLC from superannuation fund Cbus, where she served nearly three years as chief information and technology officer (CITO).

MLC recognised its latest senior tech recruit’s “significant” role in evolving Cbus’s technology and data strategy, with the integration of “machine learning and AI practices” and “complex system integrations” resulting from the two fund mergers.

Robinson listed several notable achievements during her time helming Cbus’s tech team, including overseeing the integration of two separate brands (with Cbus’s acquisition of Media Super in 2022 and EISS in 2023) involving the addition of nearly 100,000 new members and $13 billion in funds under management, as well as migration to a new AWS enterprise data platform and general ledger to Oracle Cloud.

She also noted her role in slashing Cbus’s year-on-year technology cost by more than 10 per cent, “removing duplicate technologies and re-negotiating 3rd party contracts”.

MLC said its new head of technology role will “contribute to the significant body of work being undertaken by the business to further improve the systems, processes and industry-leading technology needed to offer an even better experience for advisers and customers, as well as superannuation funds, trustees and their members”.

Commenting on her new role, Robinson noted the “integral” role of tech leaders in ensuring “customers are able to enjoy a great experience by accessing safe and simple systems”.

MLC Life chief executive Kent Griffin recognised Robinson’s “proven track record of delivering customer experience by building strong teams, driving innovation, agility, and performance in diverse and complex environments”.

“We’re pleased to have someone with her background and expertise joining MLC Life Insurance to help deliver on our strategy.”

Robinson’s more than 20 years of experience in the corporate world spans the financial services, gaming, telco, media and retail energy sectors.

Prior to joining Cbus, she was general manager for digital and technology delivery at Latitude Financial, leading a number of core technology initiatives, and played a key role in ANZ’s agile transformation.