Meet Aware Super’s leadership team
Aware Super’s leadership team is made up of a board of directors and an executive leadership team. They work together towards a common cause. Helping Australians look forward to their best possible retirement.
Our board of directors
Aware Super’s trustee board is made up of 13 leaders in industries like super, finance, and health. Their purpose is to put our members first in everything we do.
Christine McLoughlin AM
Chair
Christine joined as Chair of the Board in October 2024.
Christine brings over 26 years’ experience in the financial services industry as both an executive and non-executive director. Her experience in large, complex and regulated sectors, along with her background in international business and insights from other sectors, ensures Aware continues to shape the best possible retirement for our members.
Over the years, Christine has received several distinguished awards:
These include:
- A Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 for her service to business, the not-for-profit sector, and women
- An Honorary Doctorate from the University of Wollongong in 2025
- Australian Event Awards 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award for significant work in securing and delivering Australian Events
- Telstra Businesswoman of the Year, 2000
Aware Super roles and responsibilities
- Independent Director and Chair, appointed by the Board
- Chair, People, Remuneration and Governance Committee
- Member, Investment Committee
Other current roles
- Director, Cochlear Limited
- Member of the Australian Governments, Takeovers Panel
- Chair & Co-Founder Minerva Network, a not-for-profit supporting professional women athletes
Qualifications
- Undergraduate Degree, BA/LLB Hons, Australian National University
- Hon DUOW
Roslyn joined our board in 2019. She was jointly appointed by the Secretary of Premiers and Cabinet and the Secretary of Treasury.
Roslyn is a professional company director in financial services. She has more than 25 years’ experience in the super industry. Her expertise includes insurance, investment management, risk management and governance.
Before joining our board, Roslyn held many leadership roles in super. Roslyn began her career at the ISC (now Australian Prudential Regulation Authority). She was CEO of the Harwood Super Fund for 12 years. Roslyn was also a director at the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) and has held other superannuation fund directorships.
Aware Super roles and responsibilities
- Director
- Chair, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
- Member, Investment Committee
- Member, Direct Assets Committee
Other
- Life Member, ASFA
- AIST Trustee of the Year 2022
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Business (Acctg), University of Southern Queensland
- Trustee Fellow, ASFA
- Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
- Certified Practising Accountant, CPA Australia
- Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance, Governance Institute of Australia
- ASFA Accredited Investment Fiduciary
- Diploma of Superannuation Management, Macquarie University
John was appointed to our board in 2020. His appointment was made by Unions NSW.
John’s background is in education. He was a schoolteacher for several years. John was also General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary of the NSW Teachers Federation. At the Federation, John helped improve the salaries and working conditions of casual teachers and gave temporary teachers access to the top of the salary scale and pro-rata conditions to that of permanent teachers.
At the Federation he also improved communication channels between union members and the education community. He did this by developing ground-breaking apps and introducing social media platforms and websites.
John was a director of Teachers Federation Health for over 20 years and saw it grow to the largest Restricted health fund in Australia. John was also an inaugral director of Nurses and Midwives Health from 2016 - 2020 giving Nurses and their families access to Health Insurance via their union membership.
Aware Super roles and responsibilities
- Director
- Member, Investments Committee
- Member, Direct Assets Committee
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Accounting)
- Diploma of Education (Economics)
- Graduate Certificate in Marketing
- Member of Australian Institute of Company Directors
Philip joined our board in 2020. He was jointly appointed by the Secretary of Premiers and Cabinet and the Secretary of Treasury.
Philip’s experience is in financial markets. His career began as a Cadet Economist in the Reserve Bank of Australia. Philip spent more than 35 years working as a fund manager in Australia, Asia and the UK. Prior to joining our board, Philip was a Partner at Goldman Sachs in London and Sydney for 10 years. He was also Chair of Goldman Sachs Australia Managed Fund Board. And he was a member of the Goldman Sachs Australia and New Zealand Operating Committee.
Philip is passionate about helping people make better financial decisions. In 2018, Philip completed a Psychology degree focussed on behavioural finance decision making. Philip is currently completing a PhD on Decision making with uncertainty at the University of Sydney. Outside of Aware Super, Philip holds many leadership roles. He is a Director for Green Road Consulting – helping businesses with decision-making science. Philip is also a patrol member of the South Narrabeen Surf Lifesaving club in NSW.
Aware Super roles and responsibilities
- Director
- Chair, Investment Committee
- Chair, Direct Asset Committee
Other current roles
- Non-Executive Director, Platinum Asset Management
- Director, Green Road Consulting
- Director, Moffitt Family Foundation
- Director, Aberdeen Fund Pty Ltd
- Chair, Newington College Foundation
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science (Psychology) with First Class Honours, The University of Sydney
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology, The University of Sydney
- Bachelor of Economics with First Class Honours, The University of Sydney
- Associate, The Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA)
- Member Australian Institute of Company Directors
Stewart Little
Director
Stewart joined Aware Super’s board in November 2022. He was appointed by Unions NSW.
National Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union SPSF, and General Secretary of the Public Service Association of NSW, Stewart Little has fought on behalf of public sector and community workers for more than 30 years.
After extensive experience as a senior industrial officer, in 2016 he was elected General Secretary of the Public Service Association of NSW, rebuilding the union that now represents more than 41,000 public sector employees. In his time as General Secretary he has had decisive wins on behalf of union members, overturning a long-standing cap on wages and ending the NSW government’s privatisaton program.
Prior to that, Stewart also held senior roles with the Police Association of NSW.
With experience as a senior librarian with the NSW State Parliament and a disability support worker, Stewart understands the working lives of Aware Super members.
He understands the workings of government and has excellent relationships with ministerial and department staff.
Aware Super roles and responsibilities
- Director
- Member, People, Remuneration & Governance Committee
- Member, Member Services Committee
Other current roles
- National Secretary, Community and Public Sector Union SPSF Group
- General Secretary, Public Service Association of NSW
- Branch Secretary, Community and Public Sector Union, NSW Branch
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Science from the University of Technology Sydney
- Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees
Leigh joined our board in February 2023. She was appointed by the Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA).
Leigh is an experienced association executive in the health sector, with skills in governance, strategy, health policy and member services. Leigh has worked in clinical, research and management roles across public, private, and not-for-profit health services.
She also has 12 years’ experience as a CEO and Board Director of several national peak health associations. In these roles, Leigh improved member services and developed a successful advocacy portfolio across state and federal jurisdictions.
Leigh is a member of our Governance and Nominations Committee and the People and Remuneration Committee.
Aware Super roles and responsibilities
- Director
- Member, People, Remuneration & Governance Committee
- Member, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
Other current roles
- CEO, Victorian Healthcare Association
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics (Hons)
- Master of Public Health
- Currently completing a PhD in Health Economics
Erin Aulich
Director
Erin joined the board in July 2024.
Joining the Fund with an extensive background in education, teaching around the globe including Australia, the United Kingdom and South Korea. Along with education, her time spent as union leader brings a wealth of experience from financial and resource management and enterprise bargaining to strategic planning.
Aware Super role and responsibilities
- Director
- Member, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
Qualifications
- Master of Labor and Industrial Relations I Human Resources Management
- Bachelor of Education (Secondary) I Bachelor Applied Science (Health Promotion)
Debora joined our board in May 2024.
A respected chief executive and leader in public administration, with extensive governance and operational delivery experience in the health sector, Debora brings decades of experience operating within large complex organisations with statutory and public stewardship. She is passionate about improving the lives of Australians through health and access to health care.
Aware Super roles and and responsibilities
- Member, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
- Member, Member Services Committee
Other current roles
- Chair, Major Tasmanian Hospital Emergency Department
- Chair, Investigation into Reportable Deaths and Death Reporting Processes in Tasmanian Public Hospitals
- Advisor, Wesfarmers Health
- Chair, Odyssey House Board of Directors
- Principal, Debora Picone AO Consulting
- Independent Chair, Appointed by Australian Health Minister Health Technology
- Assessment Policy and Methods Review Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Review of approval of medicines in Australia
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Health Administration
- University of NSW General Nurse Training
- New South Wales Certificate in Renal Nursing
Lloyd Williams
Director
Lloyd joined our board in 2025. He was appointed by the Health Services Union.
Lloyd brings over 35 years of management and governance experience to the role, including as a trustee director and deputy chair of HESTA from 2012 to 2021.
Lloyd's background as a union leader gives him unique insights into the retirement needs of our health sector members, who are at the heart of caring for Australia's ageing population.
He understands the workings of government and has excellent relationships with ministerial and department staff.
Aware Super roles and responsibilities
- Director
Other current roles
- National Secretary, Health Services Union (HSU)
- Director, HumanAbility Jobs and Skills Council
- Member, Victorian Portable Long Service Authority Governing Board
- Member, Commonwealth Government's National Aged Care Advisory Council
- Member, Aged Care Transition Taskforce
Qualifications
- Diploma of Superannuation, Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST)
- RG146 for the Superannuation Industry, General Financial Advice, AIST
- Associate Diploma (Applied Science) Occupational Health and Safety, RMIT
- Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Lisa Fitzpatrick AO
Director
Lisa re-joined our board in 2025 after previously serving from 2013-2018. She was appointed by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victoria branch).
Lisa brings over two decades of advocacy and governance experience to the role, including 24 years as Victorian Branch Secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF).
Her commitment to advocating for nursing and midwifery professions and the healthcare system has resulted in several achievements including the Victorian government becoming the second jurisdiction in the world to mandate care ratios with the Safe Patient Care (Nurse to Patient and Midwife to Patient Ratios) Act 2015.
Lisa was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2024 for “distinguished service to the nursing and midwifery professions through leadership and advocacy roles”.
Aware Super roles and responsibilities
- Director
Other current roles
- Footscray Football Club Director
Qualifications
- Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees Graduate
- Graduate Diploma Advanced Nursing
- Graduate Diploma Health Education
- Registered General Nurse Training
Sue Brake joined the board in January 2026 and was nominated by the Victorian Government. She has been a member of the Aware Super Investment Committee since April 2025.
Sue has more than 30 years of capital markets and investment leadership experience, including as Chief Investment Officer of the Future Fund. She brings a deep understanding of governance issues, serving as a Board member of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and a Member of the Monetary Authority of Singapore's Investment and Risk Advisory Panel. She also has experience in emerging technologies, including AI.
Aware Super roles and responsibilities
- Director
- Member, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
- Member, Investment Committee
Other current roles
- Board member, Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation
- Member, Monetary Authority of Singapore's Investment and Risk Advisory Panel
- Chair, Dragonfly Thinking
Qualifications
- Master of Arts, Psychology (First Class Honours), Canterbury University
- Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science (Double Major), University of Auckland
- Bachelor of Arts, English Literature and Psychology (Double Major), University of Auckland
Sally McManus
Director
Sally joined our board in April 2026 and was nominated by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
Sally brings over 30 years of workplace and worker advocacy experience to the role.
Her background as a national leader in the union movement and public advocate provides valuable understanding and experience of the retirement needs of Aware Super’s heartland members in health, education and across the public and private sectors.
Aware Super roles and responsibilities
- Director
- Member, Experience Committee
- Member, Risk, Compliance & Technology Committee
Other current roles
- ACTU Secretary
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours First Class) Philosophy, Macquarie University
Steven joined our board in April 2026 and was nominated by Telstra Limited.
He is a highly qualified senior business executive who brings strong commercial and financial acumen and expertise in strategic planning to his role on the Aware Board.
Steven has held Chief Financial Officer, Finance Director and Business advisory positions across a range of sectors and geographies.
Aware Super roles and responsibilities
- Director
- Member, Audit & Finance Committee
Other current roles
- Chief Commercial Officer, Telstra
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Business, Victoria University of Technology
- Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)
Our executive leadership team
Aware Super’s executive leadership team is led by Deanne Stewart, Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Our executive leadership team oversees our daily operations. The team exists to offer our members the best advice and support for their retirement.
As CEO of one of Australia’s largest super funds, Deanne is proud to lead Aware Super as a force for good in the super industry. Deanne is passionate about responsible investing and purpose-led organisations. Above all, she is committed to helping our members retire well.
Deanne has more than 25 years’ experience in financial services, both in Australia and overseas. She is an expert in super, wealth and insurance. Before leading Aware Super, Deanne was Chief Executive Officer at MetLife. Prior to this, she held senior roles at BT, Westpac, Merrill Lynch and McKinsey & Co.
During her time as CEO, Deanne has overseen some pivotal moments. She led the successful merger of VicSuper and First State Super in 2020. Deanne also led the launch of our brand, Aware Super. Throughout her time here, Deanne has been a strong advocate for gender equality. She was honoured by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency as a pay equity ambassador in 2019.
Other current roles
- Director, Redkite
- Member, Super Members Council
- Member, UNSW Business School Advisory Board
- Member, University of Technology Business School Advisory Board
- Member, Australian Council of Superannuation Investors Board
- Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors
- Member, Australian Centre for Gender Equality & Inclusion @Work
- Chair, Sydney North HealthCARE Innovation Precinct Executive Council
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce, Finance & Marketing, UNSW
- Master of Business Administration, Yale University
Simon joined the fund as Chief Investment Officer in 2025 and is responsible for our global investment portfolio and team. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Fund’s Head of Portfolio Management from 2023.
Simon has almost three decades of global experience in banking and investment management, having held senior roles in London, Singapore and Sydney. His career includes leadership positions at JP Morgan, AMP Capital, and Macquarie, with his previous role as Global Head of Public Markets at AMP Capital.
Other current roles
- Director, Board of Women in Business Finance
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Economics, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- Executive MBA, NYU Stern School of Business, HEC Paris and LSE
- Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Sally Collins
Chief Operating Officer
Sally joined Aware Super in April 2024. In her role as Chief Operating Officer, she leads the Finance, Strategy and Transformation, Advocacy and Investment Services functions.
Sally’s experience spans executive roles at AXA, CBA, NAB and the Victorian Funds Management Corporation.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Psychology
- Post Graduate Diploma Applied Science Psychology
- Graduate, Diploma in Financial Planning, Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors
- Advanced Management Program, INSEAD France
Other current roles
- Chair, Marshall White Foundation Board
Jane joined the Fund as Chief Risk Officer in 2020. In her role as Chief Risk Officer and Group Executive, Sustainability, she is responsible for Risk, Compliance and Corporate Sustainability.
Before joining Aware Super, Jane was the Executive General Manager, Compliance at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). She was responsible for leading the bank’s Global Compliance Function. During this time, Jane also co-led CBA’s response to APRA's Prudential Inquiry into CBA; as well as the new Banking Executive Accountability Regime (BEAR). She was a key member of CBA’s Royal Commission Taskforce.
Jane has also held senior leadership and executive positions with Macquarie Group, BT Financial Group and Perpetual.
Other Current Roles
- Director Association of Super Funds Australia (ASFA)
- Director Jenoar Foundation
- Life member, Rainbow Club Australia Ltd
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts with Bachelor of Laws, Macquarie University
Steve joined the Fund in 2021 as Group Executive, Member Growth. In this role, he leads value streams including Performance and Growth and Retirement.
Steve held a number of senior roles across the industry, including Chief Customer Officer and General Manager for Customer Engagement at SunSuper. Steve was also Head of Strategic Planning for Vanguard’s Retail business, based in the USA.
Steve is passionate about improving retirement for all Australians.
Qualifications
- Masters, Organisational Leadership, Melbourne School of Business
- Masters, Applied Finance, Macquarie University
- Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Queensland University of Technology
- Fellow, Financial Services Institute of Australasia
- Graduate, Company Directors Course, Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
Steve joined Aware Super (former First State Super) as our Group Executive, People & Workplace in 2013. Steve is responsible for our Human Resources and Workplace business areas, aiming to attract great people and help them grow their careers.
Prior to this role, Steve had a long career in both the Asia-Pacific region and the UK. He worked in senior HR roles for organisations like PwC, ANZ, Qantas, and Stockland. Steve is passionate about creating a workplace that celebrates diversity, learning and developing great leaders.
Other current roles
- Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors
- Board Member, Fund Executives Association Limited
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts
- Chartered member, Australia Human Resources Institute
Jo joined the Fund in 2019 as Chief Operating Officer. She was appointed as Group Executive, Member Engagement, Education and Advice in April 2024. She now leads our Member Experience value stream to deliver a super helpful member experience.
Jo is passionate about leading with purpose and the development of her people. She has led the organisation in its most significant business transformation to deliver simple member experiences.
Bringing over 25 years of leadership experience, Jo has previously held General Manager roles with CBA, QBE and Macquarie.
Other current roles
- Board Member, Adara Group
- Board Member, Aware Super Legal Pty Ltd
Qualifications
- Master of Management, MGSM Graduate, Company Directors Course, Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
- Graduate, Governor’s Leadership Foundation Programme
- Master of Education, University of South Australia
- Bachelor of Education, University of South Australia
Ian joined the Fund in 2012 as General Counsel and Company Secretary. His role is to deliver high quality and timely legal and company secretariat services to Aware Super.
Prior to joining Aware Super, Ian held senior roles at Perpetual Limited, as Head of Legal Risk and Compliance. Before this, he worked with the Australian Government’s Insurance and Superannuation Commission.
Other current roles
- Director of several Aware Super Group companies
- Director, Aware Super Legal Pty Ltd
- Member, Australian Law Council Superannuation Sub-Committee
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Legal Studies
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
- Diploma of Education, Practising Certificate, The Law Society of NSW
- Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Richard was appointed Group Executive, Chief Technology and Data Officer on 1 November 2025, elevating technology, data and AI leadership to the executive team.
This appointment reflects the critical role these capabilities play in delivering better member outcomes and advancing Aware’s 2030 strategic priorities.
Richard joined Aware Super in 2017, bringing thirty years of financial services technology experience from senior leadership roles at Macquarie Group, ANZ Bank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and Colonial First State. He also served as Chief Technology Officer for the Bank of Hangzhou in China.
Qualifications
- Master of Financial Technology (FinTech), UNSW
- Executive Leadership Development Program, Harvard Business School
- Graduate, Certificate of Commercial Law, Deakin University
- Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Where to next?
Become a member
Join more than 1 million other Australians who are gaining peace of mind in retirement.
Join our team
We'd love to hear from you. Check out our open roles to see where you fit.