MetLife appoints new CIO

MetLife Australia has appointed former Woolworths head of technology, Tim Batten as its CIO, replacing Mathews George who has left the organisation.

Batten will drive the insurer’s digital and technology strategy. His appointment follows the recent hiring of head of IT infrastructure, Matthew O’Halloran, Oliver Johnson as head of business intelligence and data governance, and Aaron Fuller as head of data and digital.

Batten had been head of technology at Woolworths Marketplace since 2012 and prior to that, spent six years at Westpac as head of online technology.

MetLife CEO, Deanne Stewart, said Batten’s achievements in IT and experience across the financial services and retail sectors will be invaluable to the team.

“Technology is a strategic priority for our sector and Tim has a wealth of knowledge drawn from his previous roles, particularly in establishing and driving major online transformation programs,” Stewart said.

Speaking to CIO, Matthews George said he was seeking his next challenge.

“Thanks to a growing business and an awesome team, my ten years at MetLife were well spent laying the foundation for growth. It’s time for the new leadership to take it to the next level,” he said.

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