Shawn Blackmore has been appointed as AustralianSuper’s first chief officer for retirement to assist members through their retirement journey, taking on the role from 1 December.
Mr Blackmore was previously group executive member for experience and advice, and has been at the fund since 2013.
Moreover, AustralianSuper confirmed group executive for membership and brand, Rose Kerlin, will be stepping into the role of new chief member officer.
In her role, Ms Kerlin will oversee AustralianSuper’s member experience, including the access to products and services, and trustworthy guidance and advice.
AustralianSuper’s chief executive, Paul Schroder, explained that the two appointments were part of a broader review of executive accountabilities, designed to ensure the fund is well positioned to deliver on its ambitious 2030 strategy.
Commenting on his new role, Mr Blackmore said that retirement isn’t “simply a product solution” but is about “combining product, service and advice into an offering that is accessible to all members regardless of their account balance”.
“Every member’s retirement journey is different, and our role is to ensure that they have the confidence they need to spend the superannuation savings they have worked so hard for throughout their working lives to achieve the kind of retirement they want,” he continued.
Mr Schroder said that the focus of the executive changes was to enhance AustralianSuper’s capacity to deliver simplicity and quality at a global scale.
“AustralianSuper is committed to generating strong long-term performance for members and these appointments are an essential part of achieving that goal.”
“With over 900,000 members over the age of 50, AustralianSuper members are counting on us to ensure we are there for them before retirement, in the transition to retirement, and also in retirement,” he added.
In the past 12 months to 30 June 2022, AustralianSuper recorded an inflow of 635,000 new members and of more than $25 billion net.
Over the coming decade, the fund is forecast to grow from its current $263 billion to close to $1 trillion in member assets under management.
AustralianSuper executive team now consists of :
- Paul Schroder – chief executive
- Mark Delaney – chief investment officer and deputy chief executive
- Sarah Adams – chief strategy and corporate affairs officer
- Shawn Blackmore – chief officer retirement
- Peter Curtis – chief operating officer
- Michele Glover – chief colleague officer
- Rose Kerlin – chief member officer
- Andrew Mantello – chief risk officer
