Tasplan's long-serving chairman, Doug Fry, has announced he will retire in December this year, after having spent 16 years in the role.

The industry super fund has started the process to replace Fry and has enlisted executive recruitment firm Big Fish to conduct a national search.

"The board's decision to open the appointment for the chairman position was taken to ensure the fund was able to choose from the widest possible pool of candidates and, therefore, appoint the most suitable person with regard to the long-term future of the fund," Tasplan chief executive Neil Cassidy said.

The fund hopes to appointment a new chairman in October, which would allow for a transition period to ensure the new chair has sufficient time to get established.

Fry served on the Tasplan board as a director from 1989 to 1995, after which he was elected independent chairman, a position he has held ever since.

During his time with the fund, Tasplan's membership has grown from 12,000 to 104,000, while funds under management increased from $1.1million to more than $1.5 billion.

"His personal connection with the board and staff is an extension of the culture that filters through the organisation from the top down," Tasplan chief executive Neil Cassidy said.

"His knowledge, personal integrity and representation of Tasplan is held in the highest regard by all associated with the fund, including board members, staff, service providers and his peers in the superannuation industry."