NGS Super undergoes board reshuffle

The super fund for education and community-based professionals has announced a series of appointments following its approval of independent directors to its board.

Following a comprehensive recruitment process initiated this year, NGS Super has announced the appointment of John Battams as independent chair and Brett Lazarides as independent director.

NGS Super said that the appointments follow its adoption of a revised constitution allowing for the inclusion of independent directors.

According to the fund, a number of “high calibre” applications were received for the two roles and ultimately approved the appointments of Battams and Lazarides at its meeting in mid-August.

Namely, Battams will assume the role of independent chair on 1 January 2025, following the planned retirement of current chair Geoff Newcombe at the end of the year.

He currently serves as director and risk committee chair for Queensland Investment Corporation and as chair of Queensland Teachers Union Health Fund, an Australian Prudential Regulation Authority-regulated private health insurance fund.

Battams’ experience also includes over a decade on the board of Sunsuper.

Meanwhile, Lazarides will begin his term as independent director on 1 September, joining the investment and risk, audit, and compliance committees.

He previously served for more than a decade as an independent director of industry super funds Combined Super and Prime Super, and has held executive roles with UniSuper, Frontier, Perpetual, and NAB.

NGS Super board deputy chair Georgina Smith welcomed the new appointments.

“Their exceptional leadership, and extensive industry knowledge will add depth to the expertise that already exists on the board and bring new perspectives to our commitment to excellence in the products, services and support we offer our members,” Smith said.

Also acknowledging the contribution of outgoing Newcombe, she said: “The board extends its heartfelt gratitude to Geoff for his dedicated service and leadership.

“During his time on the Board, he has made a significant contribution to the growth and success of NGS Super. Geoff will step down as Chair on 31 December 2024. His presence and wise counsel will be missed and the board and staff at NGS Super wish him all the best for his future.”