With Damian Graham stepping into a new capacity within the $190 billion super fund ahead of his retirement, a global search is set to commence for his replacement.
Graham, Aware Super’s chief investment officer for 12 years, is transitioning into the role of head of international to help drive the fund’s international growth ambitions across key global markets.
The move follows around a year of succession planning discussions at the fund. Aware Super confirmed that Graham, who will be based in London in his new capacity, shared his intention to retire within the next few years.
Now, the $190 billion fund is set to undertake a global search to appoint a new CIO, with Graham to remain in his current role before relocating to London at the end of the year.
“Aware Super firstly recognises Damian for his outstanding contributions as CIO over the past decade, where he was instrumental to our strategy and to the Fund, delivering consistently strong results for the benefit of our members,” Aware Super CEO Deanne Stewart said.
According to the fund, since opening its London headquarters in 2023, it has committed more than £2 billion, following a commitment to invest £5.25 billion in the UK and continental Europe over five years.
“We are absolutely delighted that Damian will stay with the fund and has accepted this role as head of international to lead our global activities based out of London, which will further elevate our international profile and performance as we actively pursue our strategy as a global asset owner,” Stewart said.
The CEO said that the transition ensures that Aware can continue to benefit from Graham’s investment experience as the fund builds its global presence and expands internationally.
“At the same time, Aware Super welcomes this opportunity to build upon our leadership team with a new CIO that will continue the growth of the fund as we aspire to help our members plan and live their best retirement through delivering super returns and being super helpful when they need us,” Stewart said.
Commenting on the move, Graham said: “I am proud of what we have achieved over the last decade for our members in helping to secure their retirement, the significant growth and top-tier performance of our fund as we have expanded globally, and the high calibre and experienced investment team we have developed.
“I thank Deanne and the board for their tremendous support, and I am excited and invigorated by the opportunity to continue with the fund and lead our global operations.”
Aware Super’s current head of international, Damien Webb, will return to Sydney in late 2025 as previously planned.
Webb, who at the time was serving as Aware’s deputy CIO, was first tasked in 2023 with leading the fund’s expansion into Europe and other offshore markets.
