MLC Expand Appoints Tech Leader for AI Push

MLC Expand has appointed Lisa Hilton as general manager, technology – wrap, a newly created role based in Sydney. The appointment signals the company’s push to expand artificial intelligence and automation capabilities across its platform, according to a company announcement.

Leading technology transformation

Hilton brings more than two decades of experience leading large-scale technology transformation across financial services, insurance and energy sectors. She joins from Cover-More Insurance, part of the Zurich Insurance Group, where she served as chief information officer.

In that position, she led tech services across delivery and engineering and oversaw the organisation’s adoption of AI, deploying AI agents to improve customer experience and efficiency. Her background includes building out complex technology systems that handle real business problems at scale.

“Her track record in leading complex technology transformation, and in putting AI to work on real business problems makes her the right person to guide the next generation of our proprietary MLC Expand platform,” CEO Liz McCarthy said in the announcement.

Accelerating AI capabilities for advisers

Hilton’s focus at MLC Expand will centre on extending the platform’s AI and automation capabilities to accelerate delivery for advisers. She will lead the wrap technology function with accountability for strategy, delivery and transformation.

“I’m excited to be joining MLC Expand at such a key time. AI is changing what a platform can do for advisers, and MLC Expand has both the proprietary technology and the appetite to move quickly on it,” Hilton said in the announcement.

McCarthy added that Hilton’s role will centre on working with advisers, helping the profession capture the next wave of industry growth. The company is betting that enhanced technology will attract more advisers to its platform.

Financial advice firms have been grappling with legacy systems for years, and Hilton’s experience in sectors beyond financial services could bring a different perspective to the challenge. The appointment follows a broader industry trend of bringing technology leaders from adjacent industries into financial services roles.

Ambitious growth targets

The company outlined its strategic ambitions alongside the announcement. “As we build on our proprietary tech stack, enhanced with AI and robotics, and stay true to our AdviserFirst service philosophy, her appointment reflects our ambition to be the leaders in a new era of super and retirement advice and investment technology, and to be the fastest growing super and retirement platform by 2030,” McCarthy said.

Hilton’s appointment follows last month’s hiring of general manager Heidi Press, who is leading development and implementation of MLC Expand’s next-generation wrap platform. Press’s focus is on improving digital interactions for financial advisers, their support teams and clients.

The company did not disclose compensation details for either appointment. MLC Expand is part of the broader financial services industry serving Australian advisers and their clients.