MLC Life Insurance has appointed Kent Griffin as its new CFO and also has a new head of technology after Sarv Girn departed the life insurer with immediate effect.

Mr Griffin was formerly CFO at TAL for seven years. David Lees, who until December was deputy CFO at Westpac, took over that role last month.

MLC also said Mr Girn, who had been Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer since March 2018, will be replaced by Tahir Tanveer on an interim basis.

Mr Girn, formerly CIO at the Reserve Bank of Australia, had been leading a $400 million systems overhaul. MLC owner Nippon Life says it will maintain momentum in transitioning from former owner NAb’s platforms as it re-establishes a standalone life insurance business.

“It is an important time for MLC Life Insurance as we ensure sustainability for now and the future,” MLC Life Acting CEO Sean McCormack said.

He says Mr Griffin’s experience will be instrumental in adapting MLC to ongoing structural challenges, as well as playing a key role in delivering an advanced digital ecosystem.