AustralianSuper has promoted long-time investment executive Shaun Manuell to the role of chief investment officer (CIO), placing one of the fund’s most senior internal investors in charge of more than $410 billion in assets.
The appointment marks a significant leadership change at the country’s largest superannuation fund, with Manuell set to oversee a global investment operation spanning public and private markets and more than 400 in-house investment professionals.
Manuell has spent the past 13 years leading AustralianSuper’s Australian equities division, during which the fund substantially expanded its internal investment capability. Assets managed internally within the domestic equities strategy grew from $1 billion to $100 billion over that period.
He will take over from outgoing CIO, Mark Delaney, who is set to step down from the role after a 25-plus year tenure with the fund on 30 June 2026.
Manuell will formally commence in the chief investment officer role on 1 July 2026. Senior portfolio managers Luke Smith and Andrew Smith will jointly oversee the Australian equities team until a permanent replacement is appointed.
AustralianSuper CEO, Paul Schroder, said the appointment followed an international search process and reflected Manuell’s long-term contribution to the fund’s investment performance.
“Following an extensive global search, I am pleased to announce Shaun as our next chief investment officer.
“Shaun has proven himself as an outstanding investor at scale over the long term and a great leader. He has a deep commitment to delivering for members who put their trust in us to grow and protect their retirement savings,” Schroder added.
The fund pointed to the performance of its Australian shares option, which it said ranked first in SuperRatings over one, three, five, seven, 10 and 15 years to 30 April 2026.
AustralianSuper also said its internally managed Australian equities portfolio had generated 2.6 per cent annual outperformance against ASX benchmarks since 2013, equating to an additional $8 billion in value for members.
Schroder said Manuell had become well known across corporate Australia through years of engagement with company boards and executives.
“Having worked closely with the directors of Australia’s largest companies over many years, Shaun is known for his considered approach to representing the interests of members in Australia and globally.
“Shaun is a proven champion for members and a proven champion for Australian companies.”
Before joining AustralianSuper, Manuell worked in London at Cazenove and JBWere before returning to Australia to join Equity Trustees in 2002, where he later joined the executive team.
Commenting on his appointment, Manuell said he viewed the role as an opportunity to continue building the fund’s scale and investment reach.
“I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to lead the team that invests retirement savings for more Australians than any other,” he added. “As Australia’s largest active investor, we are able to unlock exceptional opportunities for members and the nation.”
AustralianSuper expects its funds under management to increase to $600 billion by 2030.
