AFCA announces appointment of chief operating officer

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has announced the appointment of Justin Untersteiner as chief operating officer, commencing Monday 2 December.

AFCA CEO and chief ombudsman David Locke said Untersteiner combines considerable expertise in corporate services and operations and has led significant programs at the ATO with great success.

Untersteiner is currently assistant commissioner of integrated compliance at the ATO.

“Justin has previously held the role of chief financial Officer at the ATO responsible for the agency’s budget of $3.5 billion pa, he has led the ATO’s corporate procurement and tax management branch and has led the delivery of the ATO’s strategy and client experience work in the individual taxpayer market with a client base of nine million Australians.

“Justin brings great experience in leading change and new approaches in a large complex national organisation. He is a very impressive individual who shares AFCA’s passion for fairness and access to justice. I am delighted he has chosen to join AFCA at this critical stage in our development.”

Commenting on his appointment, Untersteiner said “I am thrilled to be joining AFCA at this pivotal time. AFCA’s remit is broad and complex, and the organisation is operating in a rapidly changing context. I look forward to bringing my experience into the organisation and working with the highly committed and skilled staff as we roll out a number of exciting initiatives.”

Locke said: “Justin’s appointment further strengthens AFCA’s senior leadership team. At AFCA we are committed to building a world class ombudsman service that provides effective solutions to financial disputes and that positively influences reform.”

AustralianSuper board announces former PwC partner as new director

Claire Keating has been appointed as a director to the AustralianSuper board, to commence on January 1. Keating is a chartered accountant with over twenty-five years’ experience specialising in superannuation and funds management. She was previously a partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers where she held several management roles, including leading PwC’s Financial Services Assurance Practice in Melbourne.

AustralianSuper chair, Don Russell, said Keating’s appointment was a major boost to the fund.

“Claire has extensive experience in the superannuation sector and will be a fantastic asset to the fund and its members,” Russell said.

Keating’s other governance roles have included: director and audit committee chair of CARE Super and SAS Trustee Corporation (NSW) and deputy chair and audit committee chair of Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA)

Keating said she was looking forward to joining AustralianSuper.

Local Government Super appoints independent chair and independent director

Kyle LoadesSandi Orleow

Local Government Super (LGS) has announced the appointment of its first independent chair, Kyle Loades (pictured, left), and independent director, Sandi Orleow (pictured, right) to the board. These are two of three independent non-executive directors to join the board, and commenced their roles on 22 October.

The outgoing chair, Bruce Miller remains on the board as a deputy chair, and said: “The board welcomes Kyle Loades as the first independent chair. He brings a track record of leadership, member-focused transformation and digital client service gained from board experience with organisations such as the NRMA, Credit Union Australia, roles with community organisations and as a founder of an innovative business.”

“Kyle will be joined by Sandi Orleow, LGS’ first female independent director. Sandi has extensive board experience in the local and global financial services sector, with a particular focus on superannuation, investment management and consulting. Her in-depth financial services expertise will make her a great asset to the board.”

LGS acting chief executive officer, Donna Heffernan said: “The leadership team is excited to have the benefit of Kyle and Sandi’s in-depth experience from other member-focused organisations.”

UniSuper announces chief operating officer

Kevin Roadnight

UniSuper has announced the appointment of Kevin Roadnight as chief operating officer, commencing 18 November.

Roadnight will lead the finance and legal & governance functions, working closely with CEO Kevin O’Sullivan and the executive leadership team to deliver the fund’s strategy.

Roadnight worked at NAB for over 20 years, holding several senior finance positions globally including chief financial officer of a NAB subsidiary in the United States. He has also worked at ANZ and the State Superannuation Board of Victoria. In his most recent role, Roadnight moved into the not-for-profit sector as the CFO and company secretary of Vision Australia.

Commenting on the appointment, O’Sullivan said: “Following a comprehensive selection process I’m delighted to announce Kevin’s appointment. His breadth of experience will be a real asset to UniSuper.”

legalsuper appoints interim CIO

legalsuper has announced that Paul Kessell had commenced in the role of interim chief investment officer and that financial services search specialist, Kaizen Recruitment, has been appointed to conduct a search for a permanent replacement.

Kessell has more than 20 years investment experience gained in Australia and the United Kingdom with both retail and profit-to-member funds, most recently as CIO of Kinetic Super in Melbourne.

“We are pleased to welcome Paul as interim lead of our internal investment team.  Paul is experienced and very well credentialled to make a strong contribution acting in the role while we undertake our search”, legalsuper’s chief executive, Andrew Proebstl said.

QMV Legal launches and appoints managing partner

The newly established QMV legal practice, QMV Legal, has appointed David Reckenberg to the role of managing partner.

Reckenberg joins the Melbourne-based consultancy and will oversee the strategic rollout of QMV’s legal services function.

Reckenberg was previously employed with Hive Legal for almost five years, providing advice to clients across superannuation and the broader financial services market. Prior to this, he held several roles at UniSuper, including acting as general counsel. Previously he also held an in-house legal role with Vanguard Investments Australia and a senior management role at AXA Australia.

Vaughan added: “Jonathan Steffanoni has been appointed partner of QMV Legal. He will continue to provide clients with his legal and regulatory expertise and advice.”

First State Super announces changes to group executive line-up

Sarah Forman will take up the role of group executive advice at First State Super in October. Forman was previously at BT Financial Group where she was national manager responsible for a team of around 600 employees providing financial advice to customers of the Westpac banking group.

Peter Chun will take up the role of group executive member growth at First State Super in January 2020. He will be responsible for brand, marketing, digital, product and business development. Peter was previously at Colonial First State where he was general manager strategy and transformation, responsible for leading strategy, advocacy and business transformation. Previously, he held other roles as general manager distribution and general manager product and investments for CFS, as well as acting executive general manager for the overall business in 2016 and 2019. Chun takes over from acting group executive member growth, Suzanne Holden.