Anna Scott will take charge as CEO of Mercer New Zealand on 1 October 2025, marking the latest move in a career that has spanned leadership roles across funds management, wealth operations and global markets.

Scott leaves her post as CEO of NZX-owned Smartshares to head Mercer, a Marsh McLennan business with more than $10 billion under management in New Zealand. The firm plays a significant role as KiwiSaver provider, retail fund manager and adviser to institutional investors, while also working with organisations on workforce and benefits solutions.

Welcoming her appointment, Marsh McLennan New Zealand CEO Toni Ferrier said Scott’s mix of local insight and international expertise would strengthen Mercer’s position in the market. “Through her deep understanding of our market, combined with her international experience, she will draw on the best of Mercer’s global expertise and capabilities to serve the needs of clients and members and deliver business growth.”

Before joining Smartshares in 2023, Scott spent seven years as COO at Hobson Wealth and earlier held senior market operations roles in New Zealand and offshore — including more than eight years in London with JP Morgan’s currency trading division.

Scott said she has long admired Mercer’s investment and consulting capabilities, and looks forward to collaborating with its leadership team to support clients’ retirement and workforce needs.

For HR and business leaders, Scott’s arrival signals Mercer’s continued focus on connecting retirement outcomes with workforce strategies — an area increasingly critical as employers balance financial wellbeing, benefits design and long-term talent planning.