ASFA names new policy lead

James Koval has joined the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) in the newly created role of head of policy and advocacy. 

Announcing the appointment, ASFA chief executive Mary Delahunty, who joined the industry body late last year after the departure of Martin Fahy, said she was “delighted” to welcome Koval to the team.

“James’ appointment will strengthen ASFA’s deep public policy expertise and further amplify the voices of our member organisations from right across the superannuation community and the 18 million Australians who rely on our members for good retirement outcomes,” she said.

Koval brings over a decade of experience to the role, having previously worked in a number of government and public policy roles.

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Prior to this, he served as government relations manager at the University of Sydney for two years, providing strategic and policy advice to members of the university executive, as part of the vice-chancellor’s office. He also led the university’s engagement with the federal government in Canberra.

Before that, he was at the ACT government for over five and a half years, working across several roles, including as strategic adviser to the Chief Minister and Treasurer. During this time, he oversaw key aspects of the government’s legislation agenda, including the provision of policy and strategic advice to senior ministers, negotiations with the crossbench and opposition on behalf of the government, and close engagement with external stakeholders in the business and community sectors.

Commenting on his new role, Koval stated: “When you talk to ASFA you get the views of the whole sector.

“I welcome the opportunity to lead ASFA’s extensive policy and research program which continues to be collaborative in its development, expert in its recommendations and impactful in its implementation.”

He noted ASFA’s superannuation members are “currently managing a range of regulatory reform conversations” and said he was committed to the “deep work involved in implementation.”