Nicholas Vamvakas has been named new chair of SuperFriend’s board of directors, effective 14 February 2023.
Previously, Vamvakas had held the role of chief executive of Equipsuper where he led the fund’s merger with the former Rio Tinto staff fund to evolve Equip into a $15 billion fund with over 75,000 members across Australia. Prior to departing Equip, a merger with Catholic Super had been negotiated which resulted in the fund growing to $25 billion and 150,000 members.
Additionally, he had led group executive strategy and growth at Cbus, which included a successful merger with Media Super.
Vamvakas was also chair of the finance risk and audit committee of Football Victoria.
SuperFriend chief executive, Darren Black, said they were “thrilled” with the appointment.
“Nicholas brings more than 35 years of experience in financial services, and has a solid dedication to achieving positive outcomes for members and customers,” Black stated.
“He joined the SuperFriend Board in 2021 and profoundly understands our organisation and industry. We strongly believe that Nicholas is the right person to lead the Board as we position SuperFriend for its next stage of growth and development.”
Commenting on his appointment, Vamvakas said, “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with a powerful group of Directors to provide oversight, guidance and support to Darren Black and the team as we move the organisation to the next stage of its evolution.
“I am greatly looking forward to continuing the important work of outgoing Chairperson Elizabeth Proust, AO, of improving the mental health and safety of Australian workers.”
Established in 2007, SuperFriend was a not-for-profit organisation providing actionable mental health insights and tools to workplaces across Australia.
