PPS Mutual has expanded its leadership team in Victoria by appointing Merle Kahn (pictured) as business development manager for the state.
Kahn will report to Shadia Kouzma, who oversees operations in Victoria and Tasmania.
Kahn’s role will focus on building relationships with financial advisers and increasing the number of accredited PPS Mutual advisers across Victoria.
She brings experience from her previous position at NEOS, where she managed business development support and sales.
Her career spans over 10 years in both the medical and financial services industries, including roles at GSK, Mylan, and Boehringer Ingelheim.
According to Kouzma, Kahn’s approach to adviser engagement and her consultative style are expected to support PPS Mutual’s adviser community and business objectives.
“Merle brings a genuine passion for adviser engagement. Her consultative style and solution-oriented approach will be a real asset to our team and our adviser community. I’m delighted to welcome her onboard,” she said.
Kahn stated that she is looking forward to working with advisers to promote the mutual model, which she described as having a long-term perspective and a focus on professionals’ needs.
“PPS Mutual’s model stands out for its long-term vision and genuine commitment to professionals. I look forward to collaborating with advisers to champion the value of the mutual proposition and help deliver meaningful, sustainable outcomes for their clients,” she said.
In a parallel move, PPS Mutual has also appointed Karena Cox as business development manager for Western Australia.
Cox will report to Steven Salter, who is responsible for Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.
Her primary focus will be on strengthening connections with financial advisers and expanding the network of professionals distributing PPS Mutual’s products in the region.
These leadership appointments coincide with forecasts of moderate growth in the Australian life insurance market.
Research from GlobalData projects that gross written premiums will rise from $26.2 billion in 2025 to $30.5 billion by 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%.
The sector is expected to see a 2.9% increase in premiums in 2025, driven by economic recovery, demographic shifts, and heightened awareness of health and financial planning.
