MA Financial appoints new board member

Nikki Warburton carries over 30 years’ of experience in consumer, brand, and marketing advice, stretching over a range of industries such as automotive, advertising, and media. She currently sits on the board of directors for GWS Giants, CarExpert, and is a mentor for The Marketing Academy.

Previously, Ms Warburton was the chief customer and marketing officer at Audi and a group director at AUSTAR Entertainment, where she helped finalise a deal that saw AUSTAR being sold to Foxtel for more than $2 billion as a part of the executive team.

Her role with the board of directors is effective immediately.

Ms Warburton commented that she was delighted to join MA Financial’s board of directors.

“It is a privilege to be able to support MA Financial as it executes its growth strategy and takes advantage of opportunities in the current economy,” Ms Warburton added.

Group chair at MA Financial, Jeffrey Browne, welcomed Ms Warburton to the board: “Nikki brings a wealth of experience and marketing expertise that strengthens the [board’s] capability. She has a strong track record in growing businesses and building brand recognition.

“Nikki’s appointment also illustrates our continued desire to increase the Board’s independence and its diversity by both gender, skills and experience. I look forward to working with Nikki this year.”

Acquisition of non-bank lender

MA Financial acquired non-bank mortgage lender MKM after securing a 47.5 per cent stake in October 2020.

The lending group said at the time that it will inject “substantial investments” to scale up MKM’s operations while introducing a “more diverse and comprehensive range of products” for brokers to offer their clients.

Since then, MKM has rebranded as MA Money as of 2 November 2022 to more closely align with the values and branding of its parent group.

MA Money sales manager, Melanie de Jager, said at the time of the rebranding that the business offering “had undergone significant change” since the full acquisition by MA Financial.

“We believe the new brand better reflects the next evolution of the business and our commitment to being the lender of choice for brokers and their customers,” Ms de Jager further commented.

“Becoming part of MA Financial has been exciting for MKM, which has been providing Australian borrowers with tailored home loan solutions since 2004.”

[RELATED: Non-bank lender rebrands following acquisition]