Aware Super announced on Wednesday the planned retirement of Neil Cochrane, after nine years as independent chair of the board.
Having served three successive terms as chair, Mr Cochrane will retire from the fund on 28 February 2023, the fund said in a statement.
“Aware Super would not be what it is today without the leadership and vision provided by our retiring Chair, Neil Cochrane,” said Aware Super chief executive officer, Deanne Stewart.
“Neil is one of the great custodians of Australia’s superannuation system, having dedicated more than three decades to ensuring Australians can look forward to their best possible retirement. As a fund — firstly as First State Super, and then as Aware Super – we have been incredibly fortunate to have benefited from his leadership since his appointment in 2014.”
In announcing Mr Cochrane’s retirement, Ms Stewart also announced that Sam Mostyn will join the board as independent chair, commencing in the role on 1 March 2023.
Ms Mostyn will join the equal representation board that includes appointments from the governments of NSW and Victoria, Unions NSW, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victoria Branch), Victorian Healthcare Association, and the Australian Education Union (Victoria Branch).
“After a comprehensive search, I’m extremely pleased to welcome Sam Mostyn into the Aware Super family,” said Ms Stewart.
“At a time of so much change in the Australian economy, we’re excited to have someone with Sam’s extensive corporate experience demonstrating the long-term value creation that can be achieved through a commitment to policies such as positive climate action, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
“Our members can feel confident [that] Aware Super will continue to deliver strong performance and the best advice, help and guidance of any superannuation fund in Australia,” said Ms Stewart.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Mostyn said: “Given Aware Super’s member base, I look forward to bringing a continued focus on the values and principles that have defined the culture, aspirations and strong performance of the organisation to date.”
At the close of the financial year ending 30 June 2022, Aware Super reported funds under management of $152 billion, representing the retirement savings of approximately 1.1 million members.
