NGS Super CEO Laura Wright announces retirement

NGS Super CEO Laura Wright has announced her retirement after 35 years in industry superannuation and a 20-year association with the fund.

Joining NGS Super in 2008, Wright held operations and governance executive roles prior to being appointed CEO four years ago. She was a Director of the fund for its first six years and Chair in 1993-94.

Over her superannuation career Wright held senior management roles with Suncorp, AAS and Superpartners.

NGS Super Chair Dick Shearman said: “Laura has made a significant contribution to the industry, but in particular to NGS Super. Her commitment both personally and professionally to advancing the interests of members is outstanding and she is leaving the fund in excellent shape for the future.

“Laura will be greatly missed as both a leader, colleague and advocate for members and the fund and we wish her all the best in retirement.”

The board will be recruiting for a permanent CEO however in the meantime it has appointed Natalie Previtera as the Acting CEO. She has been with the fund since 2019, most recently as Chief Risk and Governance Officer.

New Head of Client Services & Growth at Mercer Super

Mercer has announced the appointment of Brad Tallents as Head of Client Services & Growth, Mercer Super. Leading Mercer Super’s client portfolio, Tallents will be responsible for ensuring the firm continues to deliver sustainable and competitive value to clients and their members, while growing its footprint in the Australian superannuation market.
Tallents’ appointment follows the announcement that BT Super is merging into the Mercer Super Trust, creating a $65 billion superannuation fund servicing over 850,000 members.

Iress announces CEO succession

Andrew-Marcus
Iress has announces the appointment of Marcus Price as its new Managing Director & CEO, effective 3 October 2022. Andrew Walsh has notified the Board of his intention to retire, having been with the company since 2001.

Roger Sharp, Chair of Iress, said: “Andrew has been an outstanding leader and steward of Iress. Since taking over as CEO in 2009, he has been instrumental in building Iress into a highly innovative market leader with a global footprint. The Board understands his decision, is tremendously grateful to Andrew for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

“Marcus is ideally placed to steer Iress on the next phase of its journey. He brings tremendous experience in financial services and technology businesses with a demonstrated track record in creating shareholder value. As the founding CEO, Marcus is acknowledged as the driving force in the creation of PEXA, which he led for more than a decade.”

Price will be appointed a Non-Executive Director of Iress with effect from 26 July 2022, prior to assuming the Managing Director & CEO role on 3 October 2022. Walsh will remain with Iress as a consultant from 3 October 2022 until the end of January 2023.

SuperFriend appoints Darren Black as new CEO

SuperFriend has announced the appointment of Darren Black as their new CEO effective from Tuesday, 6 September 2022.

Black joins SuperFriend following his four-year tenure as CEO at OzHelp Foundation, a national workplace mental health and suicide prevention organisation. He has pioneered the transformations of leading organisations, including Outward Bound Australia and NSW Police Citizens Youth Clubs also also sits on the boards of Suicide Prevention Australia and The Australian Men’s Health Forum.

Black succeeds SuperFriend’s former CEO, Margo Lydon, who stepped down in March this year with Dina Goebel as Acting CEO since.

Sam Harris promoted to HESTA Chief Growth Officer

Sam Harris

Sam Harris will lead the HESTA’s growth team as the fund implements its new three-year strategy.

“HESTA has begun a growth evolution, with Sam’s appointment continuing to build our capabilities across the business to achieve strong member growth, delivering benefits of scale to members,” said HESTA CEO Debby Blakey.

“With close to two decades in the super industry, Sam brings a wealth of experience to the Chief Growth Officer position and has been influential in transforming our member experience, using member insights and segmentation to pave the way for strong member acquisition.”

Equip promotes Alexis Harrison to Chief Member Officer

Equip has announced the promotion of Alexis Harrison to the Executive team as the Chief Member Officer. Harrison’s portfolio includes the Experience, Retirement, Product and Insights & Design functions.
Equip has also appointed Maryanne Scroggie to Head of Strategy Development to work closely with the executive team and board to set, monitor and report against the strategic direction of the fund.

Bravura announces appointment of new CEO

Bravura has announced the appointment of Libby Roy as new CEO, with Nick Parsons stepping down, effective 22 August 2022. Based in Australia, Roy will work across the UK and other regions that the software solutions provider for the wealth management, life insurance, and funds administration industries services.

Bravura Chairman Neil Broekhuizen said “I have every confidence that Libby will champion the needs of clients, employees and shareholders into the future. I am delighted that Libby has agreed to become our next CEO, having experienced her talent and contribution first-hand, I am sure she will contribute significantly to Bravura’s development, both internally and externally.”