Speakers

Richard Howes was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Challenger Limited in January 2019. Richard has previously held a number of senior executive roles at Challenger since joining the company in 2003, including Chief Executive of Distribution, Product and Marketing, Chief Executive of Challenger’s Life business and Chief Investment Officer.

Richard has over 25 years' financial services experience. Prior to joining Challenger, he held senior roles at Zurich Capital Markets, Macquarie and Bankers Trust where his primary responsibility was providing risk management solutions to major companies and institutions globally. Richard has a Bachelor of Commerce (hons) in Finance and Accounting and a Bachelor of Economics and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Angela Murphy was appointed Chief Executive, Life, in March 2021, having previously led Challenger’s distribution, product and marketing (DPM) functions within the Life business. In her current role, she is responsible for driving the overall direction and performance of the Challenger Life Business. Angela joined Challenger as the Executive General Manager, Human Resources in February 2012 and has over 20 years’ experience in business and human resource management across public sector, consulting and corporate roles.

Nick Hamilton joined Challenger in 2015 and was appointed Chief Executive, Funds Management in September 2019. In this role he has overall responsibility for Challenger’s Funds Management business including Fidante Partners and CIP Asset Management. Prior to joining Challenger, Nick held senior leadership roles at Colonial First State and Invesco. Nick has more than 20 years industry experience gained across Australian and international markets and has successfully led top tier global equity and multi-asset businesses both in Australia and the UK.

Chris Plater was appointed Chief Executive Operations and Technology in December 2020, having previously held the role of Chief Executive, Life. Chris takes on this role with a clear goal of building on Challenger’s strong operations and technology capabilities. He also continues to support the Life business, including remaining Chair of Life’s Investment Committee. Chris joined Challenger in 2003 and has served in a variety of key leadership roles. Prior to joining Challenger, he worked at Bankers Trust, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Lehman Brothers and Zurich Capital Markets in a variety of financial markets roles in Sydney and London.

Michael Vardanega was appointed Head of Bank Transition in January 2021, having previously held the role of General Counsel and Chief Executive Group Strategy. In this role, he is responsible for leading the integration of the MyLife MyFinance bank into the broader Challenger business.

Michael has over 20 years' experience in various legal, public markets, global investment and corporate advisory roles, including at commercial law firm Ashurst (formerly, Blake Dawson). He is admitted to practise as a solicitor in New South Wales and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.