Australian Retirement Trust (ART) has announced who its next chief executive will be following outgoing CEO Bernard Reilly’s resignation in September.
The superannuation fund has appointed David Anderson to lead as CEO, which follows an extensive global search and selection process.
Anderson will take over in March 2024 from outgoing chief executive Bernard Reilly upon his departure at the end of February 2024, which was first announced on 7 September.
The new Brisbane-based CEO has a 25-year history at Mercer, with nearly three years spent as its chief commercial officer.
Anderson holds over 30 years of experience in insurance, financial services and professional services and has led teams in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Europe, the UK and the US.
Andrew Fraser, ART chair, said the appointment comes at a vital time for the fund as it turns towards its next phase.
“With a changing superannuation landscape, this an exciting time for Australian Retirement Trust and we believe David Anderson will be an exceptional leader to steward the fund and our people on behalf of our 2.3 million members.
“The Australian Retirement Trust board believes David’s experience and capabilities, global as well as local perspective, leadership style and values will enable him to be an outstanding CEO of ART,” he commented.
The incoming CEO was delighted to be returning to Australia to join the fund and contribute to its mission using his global experience.
He said: “It will be an honour to lead an organisation that has carved a legacy as one of the largest retirement savings and income funds in Australia.
“ART has been putting members' money to work both locally and globally, aiming not just for financial success but for a secure, confident and dignified retirement for their 2.3 million members.”
Fraser also thanked Reilly for his lasting legacy as CEO, who was integral to the merger between QSuper and Sunsuper which formed ART.
“On behalf of the board and executive team I thank Bernard for his unwavering commitment to acting in our members best interests.”
Reilly and Anderson will work together over coming months to ensure a smooth transition.
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The $89 billion fund has announced a new leadership role within its private markets team.