Mercer adds GESB's Michael Heffernan to advice team

Mercer has appointed Michael Heffernan to its personal financial team in Western Australia, effective today.

Heffernan makes the move from the Government Employees Superannuation Board (GESB), which manages $13 billion in superannuation funds for current and former WA public sector workers.

Mercer head of financial advice Jo-Anne Bloch said Heffernan's former role as head of advice at GESB was indicative of Mercer's "continued commitment in WA".

"GESB has a number of specialised, untaxed funds which require expert knowledge of their intricacies and complexities for members," Bloch said.

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"We are delighted to have someone of Michael's calibre and profile return to Mercer to boost our team to be able to respond to the inevitable demand for advice from GESB members," she added.

Heffernan left Mercer in 2006 to establish GESB's financial advice business, according to Bloch.

"I have been involved in the financial services profession for over 35 years in Australia and overseas and feel passionate that all Australians should be financially protected throughout retirement," said Heffernan.

Heffernan said his main focus would be workers in government departments, doctors in the public health system and state teachers "who are heading into retirement in the next five to 10 years".

"This demographic has typically paid off their mortgage, their children are leaving home and they are getting to a point where they have more flexibility and greater disposable income. This is the ideal time to form a financial plan for the next phase of their lives to ensure they have income for life," said Heffernan.