MLC's philanthropy arm MLC Community Foundation names Group Insurance general manager as its new chairperson.

MLC Community Foundation, the philanthropy unit of National Australia Bank wealth management arm MLC, has named a new chairperson.

Effective 1 April 2014, Lara Bourguignon takes the helm at the foundation, after serving as general manager of MLC Group Insurance and managing director of Plum Financial Services. She joined the company in 1999.

The foundation provides tangible support to Australian communities by investing in key areas of need and employee interests, specifically pursuits that improve the mental health of Australians.

In the past five years, the foundation has invested A$6.1 million in grants and programs, the firm said in a statement. These include more than $2.6 million in grants to Lifeline Australia, specifically its Online Crisis Support Chat Service which has generated a social return on investment of $8.40 for every $1 invested.

She takes over from Andrew Howard, who has held the position since May 2008. Howard continues on his role as general manager for distribution and client management at NAB Asset Management.