BT Financial Group’s head of retirement, who helped pioneer the firm’s revolutionary online superannuation offering Super for Life, has left the firm just days ahead of a vote by St George shareholders on its proposed merger with Westpac.

Patrick Clark, senior superannuation manager at BTFG, left on Friday after nearly 10 years with the group. I&T News understands he will join Aviva in China.

Clark was part of the team that developed BT Super for Life, which combines banking and wealth management, allowing customers to access their superannuation balance online through their bank accounts.

He held a number of senior product and distribution roles at BTFG, including head of wrap distribution and direct, product innovation, and head of product and research.

A spokesperson for BT said the group was “fully supportive” of Clark’s decision and described the move as “a great opportunity for him”.

She said BT was looking to fill the role internally at this stage.

St George shareholders are set to vote on Thursday on the Dragon’s merger with Westpac, which was approved by Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan on 23 October, paving the way for the formation of Australia’s biggest bank.

Aviva could not be reached for comment at presstime.