Aware Super update on executive team succession planning
1 May 2025
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After 12 years as Chief Investment Officer, Aware Super is pleased to announce that Damian Graham will transition into the role of Head of International, based in London, to further drive the Fund’s international growth ambitions across its key global markets.
This transition follows 12 months of succession planning discussions where Damian shared his intention to transition to retirement over the next few years.
A global search to appoint a new CIO is now underway to ensure a smooth transition for its investment leadership team, with Mr Graham to remain in his role as CIO before relocating to London at the end of the year.
Since opening its London headquarters in 2023, Aware Super has committed more than £2 billion, following a commitment to invest £5.25 billion in the UK and continental Europe over five years
Aware Super CEO Deanne Stewart said: “Aware Super firstly recognises Damian for his outstanding contributions as CIO over the past decade, where he was instrumental to our strategy and to the Fund, delivering consistently strong results for the benefit of our members.
“We are absolutely delighted that Damian will stay with the Fund and has accepted this role as Head of International to lead our global activities based out of London, which will further elevate our international profile and performance as we actively pursue our strategy as a global asset owner.
“This carefully managed transition ensures Aware Super continues to benefit from Damian’s extensive investment experience as we continue to build our global presence and ensure we retain the Fund’s strong culture as we expand internationally.
“At the same time, Aware Super welcomes this opportunity to build upon our leadership team with a new CIO that will continue the growth of the Fund as we aspire to help our members plan and live their best retirement through delivering super returns and being super helpful when they need us.”
Aware Super Chief Investment Officer Damian Graham said: “I am proud of what we have achieved over the last decade for our members in helping to secure their retirement, the significant growth and top-tier performance of our fund as we have expanded globally, and the high calibre and experienced investment team we have developed. I thank Deanne and
the Board for their tremendous support, and I am excited and invigorated by the opportunity to continue with the Fund and lead our global operations.”Aware Super has consistently been a top performing superannuation fund during Mr Graham’s decade with the Fund, most recently being recognised as Super Ratings Fund of the Year and Platinum 2025 MyChoice Super of the year.[A5] Across his broad portfolio, Mr Graham was also instrumental in launching Aware Super’s international expansion strategy including into the UK in 2023.
He has also constructed a strong diversified portfolio and built a 150-strong highly regarded investment team – both of which deliver outstanding returns, at lower fees for Aware Super members. In addition, Damian has future-proofed Aware Super’s investment leadership with Project Odin, a digital platform which will further empower the Fund’s industry-leading hybrid investment model and Total Portfolio Approach to investing.
Aware Super’s current Head of International Damien Webb will return to Sydney in late 2025 as previously planned.
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