Deanne Stewart, Aware Super chief executive, has been awarded the 2021 executive of the year award by the Fund Executive Association Limited (FEAL).
The annual award, now in its 20th year, recognised a superannuation fund executive who made an “outstanding” contribution to their fund and the super industry.
Jane Perry, FEAL chair, said Stewart was a tireless advocate for innovation in super for the benefit of all Australians.
“Deanne’s dedication to providing the best possible service to members while contributing to positive changes in the super industry more broadly makes her the perfect recipient of this award,” Perry said.
“Her passion for digital innovation in particular has helped Aware Super’s members become more engaged with their super and goals for retirement and is a case study for the industry to follow.”
Aware Super managed $155 billion on behalf of 1.1 million members and Stewart served as its CEO since November 2018.
With more than 20 years’ experience in financial services, she was a director of The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) and the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ASCI) and a member of the United Nations Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance.
Commenting on the 20th anniversary of the award, FEAL chief executive, Joanna Davison, said: “Recognising outstanding leadership in super is an important pillar to building confidence in the system and ultimately improving retirement outcomes for all Australians”.
The recipient of the Fund Executive of the Year Award received an education grant of $25,000 sponsored by T. Rowe Price.
The education grant had enabled previous award recipients to attend executive education programs at world renowned business schools including Harvard, IMD, INSEAD, London Business School and Wharton.
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