AustralianSuper expands exec team with newly created roles

Australia’s largest super fund, AustralianSuper, has announced multiple additions to its executive leadership team to focus on global growth and innovation.

Chief member officer, Rose Kerlin, has been promoted to deputy chief executive in an expanded capacity which will see her work alongside chief investment officer Mark Delaney. Kerlin joined the $387 billion fund in 2010 from the Finance Sector Union (FSU) and was appointed to the group executive in 2016.

The fund's chief financial officer will also join the board and report to chief executive Paul Schroder. Currently this position in an acting capacity by Shane Kelly following the departure of Matt Harrington earlier this year and the fund will appoint a permanent replacement in due course.

Former chief operating officer, Peter Curtis, will be promoted to the newly-created role of chief transformation officer responsible for advising on major strategic initiatives. AustralianSuper noted Curtis will be stepping back from full-time executive positions as he transitions into retirement.

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In a newly-created role, the fund will begin recruitment for a chief platform officer who will lead the fund’s technology, digital and data services strategy.

“The new chief platforms officer role will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our technology, data and AI strategies. By harnessing innovative technologies and best practices, we aim to enhance operations and investments, innovate our member services and deliver even greater value to members,” it said.

Finally, the fund is strengthening its approach to risk and compliance with the fund's general counsel set to report to the chief risk officer. A series of external appointments in the risk team have been made in

Australia and London as the fund continues to deliver its risk management uplift program.

Schroder said: “AustralianSuper is not only one of the world’s 20 largest pension funds, but also one of the fastest growing among them. Members rightly expect their retirement savings to be managed by a highly skilled, world-class team.

“These changes increase the breadth of expertise on our executive team, equipping us to navigate an increasingly complex global financial landscape with the aim of maximising outcomes for AustralianSuper’s 3.6 million members.

“The changes also reflect our focus on building a world-class global funds management business and a world-class member service and guidance business that is underpinned by a company culture that effectively manages the risk and opportunities for members.”

In its latest results for the 2024-25 financial year, the fund’s Balanced option returned 9.5 per cent and has returned average annual returns of 8.5 per cent over five years.