Aware Super appoints Christine McLoughlin AM as new Chairman

Ms McLoughlin, who is also the Chairman of the Suncorp Group and a Director on Cochlear Limited, officially starts at the Fund on 1 October 2024. Ms McLoughlin has over 25 years’ experience in the financial services sector as both an executive and non-executive director. 

Aware Super’s Chair of Governance and Nominations Committee Patricia Faulkner AO confirmed Ms McLoughlin’s appointment followed a process conducted by an independent search firm to identify candidates with financial services, regulatory and governance experience. 

“Attracting a Chair of Christine’s calibre reflects the importance Aware Super places on good governance and its deep expertise in delivering optimal member experiences,” Ms Faulkner said. 

“Aware Super’s ambition to lead in retirement is enabled by our industry-leading digital platform which offers our members a secure, easy and fast way of Interacting and getting the help they need to achieve their retirement aspirations.” 

Aware Super CEO Deanne Stewart said the Fund would benefit from Ms McLoughlin’s experience in the insurance industry, where corporations have rapidly evolved to meet the changing needs of their customers at key life moments.

“As Aware Super continues to shape the best possible retirement for members, insights from other sectors will strengthen the Fund’s Board,” she said.

“Aware Super is fortunate it will have the benefit of Christine’s strategic and governance experience in large, complex and heavily regulated sectors, combined with her international business background and aligned values.

“Christine also has a passion for enablement and has been actively involved in the not-forprofit sector throughout her career as evidenced by her previously held directorships on The McGrath Foundation, The Smith Family and The Ethics Centre.

“We’re committed to continuing to redefine the superannuation industry in Australia with our digital capabilities and expertise to meet the growing retirement needs of Australians and deliver high quality service for all our members.”

Ms McLoughlin said: “I recognise this is a critical time for industry funds and the superannuation industry more broadly. I believe Aware Super is best in class and will continue to help many Australians navigate a successful retirement.

“As I’ve learned more about Aware Super, I’ve been struck by how strong the organisation is, not only in terms of their advice and digital services for members, innovation, investment capability and commitment to governance, but how they’re thinking about retirement.

“Ageing populations mean retirement is one of the greatest challenges faced by developed economies the world over, and I’m proud to be joining Aware Super at a time when they are already thinking and acting on how to best serve and deliver value for not only their members but the broader community.”

Ms McLoughlin succeeds former Chair Sam Mostyn AC who stepped down in April when she was appointed Australia’s 28th Governor General.

The new appointment follows a period of digital transformation for the Fund, which is now empowered to focus on providing support to its members as and when they need it, as well as living the ethos of being Super Helpful.

Aware Super currently* has $180 billion funds under management and prides itself on helping improve member outcomes in retirement, delivering one of the highest returns for members in the default MySuper – Grow option in FY24 compared to key industry peers, and backed by strong returns over the long-term**.

The Fund’s Australian and London-based investment teams typically allocate to liquid markets and take an active management approach across alternative assets – including infrastructure, real estate, private equity and private credit – to generate the strongest riskadjusted returns for its members.

At this year’s Chant West Awards***, the Fund was also named Pension Fund of the Year and Super Fund of the Year – the first time any super fund has taken out the top two honours in the same year – as well as Investments Best Fund and Insurance Best Fund. 

Media enquiries:

Sara Bradford, External Affairs, 0478405382, media@aware.com.au

About us:

Aware Super is one of Australia’s largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, investing more than $180 billion (as of August 2024) around the world on behalf of our 1.1 million members. We strive to deliver strong long-term returns for our members and the help, guidance and advice they need to prepare for and enjoy their best possible retirement.

Visit aware.com.au

*as at 31 July 2024

** Aware Super Future Saver default MySuper Lifecycle approach places members aged 55 and under in the High Growth option, which returned 10.86% for the year to 30 June 2024. Aware Super Future Saver High Growth option and Retirement Income Conservative Balanced option are both Top-10 performers over 10-year periods to 30 June 2024.

High Growth option: Super Ratings Fund Crediting Rate Survey 30 June 2024, SR50 Growth (77-90) Index, 9th out of ~50 options. Conservative Balanced: Super Ratings Pension Fund Crediting Rate Survey 30 June 2024, SRP25 Conservative Balanced (41-59) Index, 8th out of ~25 options.

*** Zenith CW Pty Ltd ABN 20 639 121 403 AFSL 226872/AFS Rep No. 1280401 Chant West Awards issued 22 May 2024 are solely statements of opinion and not a recommendation in relation to making any investment decisions. Awards are current for 12 months and subject to change at any time. Awards for previous years are for historical purposes only. Full details on Chant West Awards at chantwest.com.au/fund-awards/about-the-awards. Visit aware.com.au/awards for awards information. Awards and ratings are only one factor to be taken into account when choosing a super fund. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.