AustralianSuper has announced the appointment of Paula Benson to the role of chief strategy and corporate affairs officer, replacing dual-acting officers Mark Comer and Christopher Cramond.
Ms Benson joins the fund as an experienced senior corporate affairs executive and non-executive director, encompassing roles across funds management, banking, resources, healthcare, and infrastructure.
From 2020, she held the role of global head of marketing, brand and communications at IFM Investors. Before this, she was a non-executive director at the Victorian Funds Management Corporation and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, among other directorships.
She also served as executive general manager, corporate affairs at National Australia Bank and was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (General Division) in 2021.
AustralianSuper chief executive Paul Schroder welcomed Ms Benson to the role and said the appointment will be “pivotal” in supporting the funds’ next phase of growth.
“As a very experienced corporate executive, Paula has impressed us with her strategic and innovative approach to corporate and public affairs and her commitment to delivering positive commercial and societal outcomes for members,” Mr Schroder said.
“Paula’s experience will be important in driving forward our global strategic positioning, advocacy, and engagement as we deliver on our purpose of helping members achieve their best possible financial position in retirement.”
Ms Benson expressed her excitement in joining the fund.
“Working with purpose and delivering commercial outcomes are some of my key drivers and I am delighted to join AustralianSuper at this important moment and to play a key role in supporting global growth ambitions in order to deliver outcomes for members,” she said.
“I have been incredibly impressed by the culture of members first at the fund and it will be a privilege to join the team and deliver on our purpose of helping members achieve their best financial position in retirement. There are few greater honours than to play a role in ensuring hard working Australians have dignity in retirement,” Ms Benson concluded.
