Brighter Super appoints new independent director amid board governance overhaul

The super fund has appointed Queensland director and super fund executive Brendan O’Farrell to its Board as part of its ongoing governance renewal.

O’Farrell will join the Brighter Super Board on 1 January 2026, becoming the fourth new member this year after Cameron O’Neil in March, Rebecca Girard in April, and Corinne Butler in July.

Capping a year of significant renewal for the fund, Ron Dewhurst is also set to take on the role of Brighter Super Chairman from 1 December 2025, following the previously announced retirement of John Smith after 12 years on the Board.

Commenting on the appointment, Smith said he was delighted O’Farrell would be joining as an independent director.

“Brendan brings exceptional experience as both a seasoned director and respected superannuation executive, with a strong track record of guiding organisations to deliver meaningful outcomes for their communities,” Smith said.

Bringing over two decades of experience as a director and 25 years as a senior superannuation industry executive, O’Farrell is currently Chair of Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) and Clubs Queensland. He also sits on the Board of the Queensland Rugby League, Stadiums Queensland and the Brisbane Broncos Leagues Club.

During his time as a senior superannuation executive, O’Farrell served as general manager of Mercy Super and was chief executive and chief investment officer for InTrust Super from 2005 to 2021 and City Super from 2003 to 2005.

Smith highlighted O’Farrel’s extensive experience, noting that it will strengthen the Board’s capability as it continues to grow and create long-term value for members.

“We look forward to benefiting from Brendan’s deep industry insight and commitment to serving Queenslanders,” he said.

Smith commenced his 12-year stint at Brighter with his appointment to the LGIAsuper Board in 2013, later becoming Chair in 2016.

During this time, he oversaw the mergers which created the $36 billion superannuation fund with over 348,000 members - having since emerged as Queensland’s fourth-largest non-government financial institution.

As Smith prepares to depart, he thanked Teresa Dyson, who is also set to leave the business later this year on 31 December after acting as a specialist advisor to the Board since mid-July.

Dyson assumed the role after stepping down as a director on 8 July 2025 after a combined eight years across Brighter Super and Energy Super.

Brighter’s chief executive, Kate Farrar, welcomed O’Farrell to the Board, congratulated Dewhurst on his forthcoming appointment as Chairman, and thanked Dyson for her contribution to the fund.

She added that the Board changes would position Brighter Super to embrace future growth, thanking Smith for his 12 years on the Board and nine years as Chair.

“John will leave a strong legacy of resilience, growth and unwavering focus on helping our members live confidently through every stage of life,

“[His] extraordinary leadership and steady hand have been vital as we navigated the merging of three funds over recent years ultimately growing Brighter Super to become one of Australia’s leading member-owned funds,’’ Farrar concluded.