Following an extensive recruitment process, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has appointed its next chief executive to lead the body.
Newly-appointed Mary Delahunty will take over from interim CEO Leeanne Turner from 1 February 2024.
Turner took over from Gary Dransfield in October 2023, who took the reins on an interim basis in May 2023 alongside his chair role following the end of Dr Martin Fahy’s seven-year tenure at the organisation.
Dransfield said Delahunty’s appointment represents a significant milestone for ASFA.
“Her leadership qualities, industry knowledge, and demonstrated commitment to advancing the sector, align perfectly with ASFA’s 60-year-long mission to bring the whole industry together to strengthen the effectiveness of our superannuation system for all Australians,” he said.
“With a deep pipeline of consultation on critical issues ahead of us, and the planned delivery of a comprehensive professional development program to enhance skills and thought-leadership throughout the industry, we are confident that under Mary’s leadership, ASFA will continue to be the preeminent voice of the industry.”
Delahunty joins the body after founding Seven Advisory, a specialist ESG consultant for institutional investors. Prior to this, she was a senior manager at HESTA for a decade, where she helped shape strategic policies and responsible investment practices.
The incoming CEO said she was honoured to join ASFA and looked forward to supporting its ongoing success.
“A strong peak body, combining deep technical research with the expertise of super funds and service providers, as ASFA uniquely does, plays a crucial role in progressing important conversations on matters such as the objective of super, the role of capital and enhancing member services,” she commented.
Dransfield also thanked Turner for stepping up as interim CEO during a pivotal time for the organisation.
