Michael Dwyer, a veteran of the superannuation industry, has stepped down from his role as chair of Australia for UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) after serving on the board for 22 years.
He joined the board in 2000 as a director before being appointed chair in 2018.
Dywer would still continue as a patron of the organisation, Australia for UNHCR chief executive, Trudi Mitchell, confirmed.
“Michael’s service to Australia for UNHCR and dedication to improving the lives of refugees over decades has been nothing short of extraordinary,” she said.
“As an influential advocate for refugees, he has spearheaded support for UNHCR from the investment and financial sectors. Every year, he has galvanized corporate support for our World Refugee Day event, raising vital funds to support the UN Refugee Agency’s work across the world.”
A leader in the investment and financial sectors for decades, Dwyer had previously served as chief executive of First State Super for 14 years.
In 2011, he was named a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the superannuation industry and to the community through Australia for UNHCR.
Dwyer was a director of NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp) and financial technology business Iress. He also chaired the boards of Bennelong Funds Management Group Pty Ltd (BFMG) and its subsidiary Bennelong Funds Management Ltd (BFML).
He would be succeeded by Professor Peter Shergold AC, a board member of Australia for UNHCR since 2020.
