The board of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has announced the appointment of Leeanne Turner to the role of interim chief executive.
She takes over from Gary Dransfield, who took the reins on an interim basis in May 2023 alongside his chair role following the end of Dr Martin Fahy’s seven-year tenure at the organisation. Fahy has since moved on to Accenture, where he has been named managing director of strategy and consulting.
Over at ASFA, Dransfield has been re-appointed as chair.
“The board commenced a recruitment process for a new CEO several months ago and that search is well advanced. Having stepped into the interim CEO role temporarily, it has become clear that we need someone in the role in a dedicated capacity,” he said.
Turner brings four decades of experience to the role. She has been the chief executive of AvSuper, MTAA Super, and the inaugural chief executive of Spirit Super with the merger of MTAA Super and Tasplan in April 2021.
She stepped down as Spirit Super CEO in March 2022.
Turner has also been a director of the boards of ASFA, Fund Executives Association Ltd (FEAL) and Industry Super Australia (ISA) as well as a past member of the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal Advisory Council.
Dransfield added: “The superannuation industry is on the cusp of the largest generation in Australian history entering the retirement phase, a transitioning economy, increased scrutiny, changing member engagement, and increased complexity.
“The board is particularly keen to have someone with Leeanne’s deep industry experience and knowledge of the sector to assist ASFA at such an important time.”
He added that Turner’s “unifying presence and ability to bring people together” would bring tremendous energy and focus to the superannuation sector.
