PPS Mutual appoints Daniel Waller as Head of Distribution to lead next growth phase

Specialist insurer PPS Mutual has announced the appointment of Daniel Waller as Head of Distribution, marking the next phase in its national growth and adviser engagement strategy. Mr Waller succeeds Brian Pillemer, who is retiring after playing a key role in establishing and growing PPS Mutual in Australia.

In his new role, Mr Waller will lead PPS Mutual’s distribution strategy, strengthening adviser relationships and expanding the reach of its professional insurance offering. He will play a central role in driving growth through collaboration, engagement, and service excellence across the adviser network.

Mr Waller brings more than 30 years of financial services experience, with deep expertise in distribution leadership, adviser engagement, and strategic business development. He has held senior roles at leading financial institutions including Resolution Life, Asteron Life, OnePath, and ING, where he led initiatives that strengthened partnerships and supported advisers in delivering exceptional client outcomes.

He joins PPS Mutual amid a period of sustained growth and recognition. The business has now surpassed 15,000 Members, reached $106 million in total in-force premiums, and achieved a $15 million Profit-Share Pool milestone for FY2024–25. For the third consecutive year, PPS Mutual was recognised as Australia’s highest-rated insurer in the Adviser Ratings Australian Financial Advice Landscape 2025 report, achieving a Net Promoter Score of 54.8 – nearly six times higher than the average of 9.5 among insurers in the report.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Waller said: “After taking the past three years to focus on my young family, I’m really looking forward to returning to the industry with PPS Mutual. I’ve always admired how it operates as a true mutual, where Members share directly in the success of the business. Joining at a time of record membership and Profit-Share Pool is a great opportunity to strengthen adviser partnerships and help deliver even more value to Members.”

Chief Executive Michael Pillemer said the appointment marks an important next step in the firm’s growth story: “Daniel’s depth of experience across distribution, partnerships, and business integration makes him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. As PPS Mutual continues to expand its national presence and deepen adviser engagement, Daniel’s strategic insight and leadership will be instrumental in shaping our next phase of growth. He brings a strong understanding of what drives success in this industry: trust, collaboration, and long-term value for Members.”

Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing Director of Distribution Brian Pillemer said: “Having been part of PPS Mutual from its inception, it has been incredibly rewarding to see the mutual model thrive and make a tangible difference to our Members and the advice community. I am proud to pass the baton to Daniel, who brings the right mix of experience, energy, and alignment with our values.”

PPS Mutual is supported by PPS South Africa, the largest multi-disciplinary group of professionals in the world and the largest mutual company in South Africa since the 1940s – sharing over $3 billion in profits with Members over the last decade. In Australia, PPS Mutual is owned by its Members, who share in the profits of the products they hold.