Aware Super has made three appointments to lead the funds infrastructure, property, and private equity capabilities as part of its 2026 growth strategy.
Namely, Jenny Newmarch, Alek Misev, and Mark Hector are to head up private equity, property, and infrastructure, respectively. Currently serving as senior portfolio managers in the same asset classes with the fund, they will begin their new roles in May 2023.
This follows the fund’s recently announced introduction of a range of new initiatives to fuel its growth agenda, which includes aiming to bolster its in-house investment team with the goal of doubling in size to more than 200 people and growing its $150 billion funds under management to $250 billion by 2026.
In line with the restructure, Aware has also advertised for a new senior role — head of portfolio management — who Mr Misev, Ms Newmarch, and Mr Hector will report to once appointed.
Commenting on the transition, Aware Super chief investment officer Damian Graham said: “These direct appointments are in recognition of the depth of talent we have in our in-house investment teams, the individuals’ leadership in the industry, and their ability to create and execute on leading, innovative investment strategies which drive strong risk adjusted returns for our members’ retirement income streams.”
According to Aware, the restructure will support its internalisation strategy by ensuring its investment teams are led by carefully selected talent.
Meanwhile, Scott Rissman joined Aware as portfolio manager of income and markets on Wednesday. He will be responsible for the performance of the global market’s strategies and trading capabilities, as well as delivery of market solutions for the fund.
Mr Rissman most recently served as director of overlay solutions and implementation at QIC.
Aware Super head of income and markets, Michael Clavin, said the fund was excited to add Mr Rissman’s expertise to drive the performance of its global markets’ strategies and trading capabilities particularly, given recent market volatility.
“With decades of experience, Scott will add deep and strategic expertise to Aware Super’s exposure management capabilities, with a particular focus on macro and hedging strategies with execution across multiple asset classes, such as equities, rates fixed income in both domestic and global markets.”
“He will also be pivotal in delivering a securities finance strategy that will not only originate, but structure trades to optimise collateral and liquidity to generate returns for the fund,” Mr Clavin concluded.
