Australian Super’s chief investment officer, Mark Delaney, is to step down from the fund after more than 25 years in the role.
Delaney currently works as CIO and deputy chief executive and will remain in the role until 30 June 2026 while the fund conducts a global search for his replacement.
He has held those roles since July 2006 when the fund first commenced operation, joining from Superannuation Trust of Australia (STA) where he was chief executive for three years. This fund then merged with ARF to form Australian Super.
Prior to this, he spent 14 years at National Mutual/AXA as an economist then senior manager of investment services.
Since joining Australian Super, member assets in the fund have risen from $20 billion to more than $400 billion, making it Australia’s largest superannuation fund. Around half of that is due to investment returns.
Chief executive Paul Schroder said: “By building and leading a high performing global team Mark has made more money for more Australians than any super fund chief investment officer in the country.
“Mark has always been a truly member centric investor, his calm, thoughtful and considered approach to everything he does has seen him deliver for members through economic cycles.
“Mark has also been a critical contributor to the evolution of Australia’s world class super system.
“His leadership is evident in decisions such as the introduction of portfolio holdings disclosure well before it was a regulatory requirement, playing a more active role in the stewardship of investee companies, and bringing more investment management in house to help deliver better returns for members.”
Delaney said: “It’s been an honour every day from the day I started, but I’ve decided it’s time to go. Until I call time with the Fund in June, I will work my hardest to get members the returns they deserve.
“I am extremely proud of what Australian Super has achieved for members and I’ve been lucky to work with some of the most talented people in the financial services industry.
“We transformed superannuation investing in Australia by becoming an active investor in a range of asset classes and building a globally diversified portfolio so every member can now invest in world class opportunities at scale.
“Our goal has always been to earn the trust of members and deliver for them, and we never take their trust for granted.”
