First State Super chief executive, Michael Dwyer has won Fund Executive Association Limited (FEAL) and AMP Capital's Fund Executive of the Year Award.
FEAL said Dwyer received the award for demonstrating exceptional leadership during the merger between First State Super and Health Super and for deploying an innovative post-merger business structure.
Dwyer was also commended for his work on the board of the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and will receive an education grant of $20,000 to study at a recognised international business school.
Past winners of the FEAL award include chief executive of UniSuper, Terry McCredden in 2011, chief executive of AUSCOAL Super, Bruce Watson in 2010, and chief executive of AGEST until 2010, Michael Seton.
The two funds have announced the signing of a non-binding MOU to explore a potential merger.
The board must shift its focus from managing inflation to stimulating the economy with the trimmed mean inflation figure edging closer to the 2.5 per cent target, economists have said.
ASIC chair Joe Longo says superannuation trustees must do more to protect members from misconduct and high-risk schemes.
Super fund mergers are rising, but poor planning during successor fund transfers has left members and employers exposed to serious risks.